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CT scans of the head are used in many cases. What are these cases? Are there any harms to these rays? We will learn about all this and more in the following article.

A CT scan of the head is a non-invasive diagnostic method that uses X-rays to produce accurate images of tissue structure in the brain. We will learn more clearly about CT scans of the head in this article.

CT scan of the head: uses

CT scans of the head are used for several purposes, including

Determine the presence of any head injuries after exposure to all types of accidents.

Search for the presence of any benign or cancerous tumors in the skull, brain, or membranes surrounding the brain, specifying their location and grade.

Determines birth defects in the skull.

Bribing doctors in some operations, such as how to take a brain biopsy.

Determine a treatment plan for some types of surgeries or medications, and determine the extent of the patient’s response to these treatments.

Ensure the safety of the head if the patient suffers from any of the following symptoms

Loss of hearing or vision.

Muscle weakness.

Difficulty speaking or swallowing.

CT scan of the head: how is it done?

A CT scan of the head often takes approximately 15 minutes, as the CT scanner takes several X-ray images, and the computer compiles these images together to a detailed, high-resolution image of the head.

The image is taken in detail according to the following steps

The patient sleeps on a moving table.

The table is pulled under the imaging device in a way that allows the patient''s head to be within the imaging range.

The patient holds his breath for a short time.

The X-rays begin to rotate around the head, creating several images of the head from different angles.

The computer stitches the images together to make a 3D image.

CT scan of the head and color contrast

A CT scan of the head may sometimes be done with the use of dye, a substance that the patient receives through an intravenous injection or by drinking orally, to increase the clarity of some areas of the head in the image. The use of colored dye requires fasting several hours before the procedure.

It is worth noting that patients who use Metformin must stop using the drug at the time of the imaging and for no less than 48 hours after the completion of the imaging. To avoid developing metabolic acidosis. It is preferable to have your kidney function checked before returning to using metformin.

Color dye users should also drink plenty of fluids to help the body get rid of the iodine contained in the color dye, especially if they have diabetes or kidney disease.

Uses of colored dye

Colored dye is used in specific cases, including

brain attack.

Hydrocephalus.

Abnormal growth of the head.

Side effects of colored dye

Using colored dye may cause some side effects, such as

Feeling high body temperature, or a burning sensation in the body.

Having a metallic taste in the mouth.

Allergy to colored dye, due to the presence of iodine. Sensitivity is represented by the following symptoms:

Feeling nauseous and vomiting.

Itching and rash.

Sneezing.

CT scan of the head: damage

Despite the many uses of CT scans of the head, there are some potential harms to these scans, such as:

Exposure to low levels of ionizing radiation that causes harm to the body.

Not feeling comfortable or causing allergies as a result of using the colored dye.

Feeling anxious as a result of the sound coming from the X-ray machine or as a result of being in the enclosed space designated for imaging.

CT scan of the head: caveats

There are some caveats that must be adhered to when performing a CT scan of the head, and among these caveats we mention:

In the event of using colored dye, you must stop using metformin when taking the photo and for a period of no less than 48 hours after the photo.

Stop eating and drinking 3 hours before taking the photo if using colored dye.

The woman must inform the radiographer if she is pregnant or suspects the presence of pregnancy, to avoid exposing the fetus to radiation.

Make sure to inform the radiologist of any allergy to certain medications, or the presence of kidney disease.

Mothers stop breastfeeding their babies for at least 24 hours after using the colored dye.