Cranial CT scan
The cranial CT scan is used to detect suspected bleeding, dilated blood vessels, cysts, tumours, oedemas and haemorrhage of the brain, cranial fractures and other degenerative or elderly lesions, and it is also used to examine the paranasal sinuses.
The doctor requests a CT scan of the skull if the MRI examination is contraindicated or the patient is unconscious, or has a pacemaker or aneurysm clip.
What kind of preparation is required?
It is always necessary to consult a doctor before a CT examination, because due to the radiation exposure, the CT scan can only be performed on the basis of a medical recommendation, but a native cranial CT scan does not require special preparation. It is always advisable to prepare for the examination in such a way that, in justified cases, it is possible to administer a contrast agent during the CT examinations of the skull, in most cases this is necessary. Therefore, you should not eat for 6 hours before the scan.
Prior to a contrast-enhanced CT scan, metformin medications for diabetes should be discontinued 48 hours before the examination and resumed 48 hours afterwards.
How is a cranial CT scan performed?
A CT device is like a large, thick ring with a table moving at the bottom, you lie still on that table while the images are being taken. The device makes a humming sound during operation, but there is no need to be afraid of this.
The measurement and recording itself takes a short time, but you must not move or breathe during the scan!
When can the examination not be performed?
This examination is performed using x-rays, therefore it is contraindicated during pregnancy because it can be dangerous to the unborn child. Very rarely, only with a doctor’s professional indication, but only after a certain week of pregnancy, we also examine pregnant women with CT.
Are there any side effects?
The test has no side effects, the patient does not feel anything. A contrast agent can very rarely cause a reaction, but anyone who is allergic to it cannot perform the test!
When is the result expected?
The completed recording will be reviewed by the radiologist and the result will be available in our online system after 3 working days.
