Computer tomogram of the head: reviews about the procedure

It is not always possible to diagnose by patient complaints only, especially if problems are observed from the nervous system. To investigate its condition allows a computer tomography (tomogram) of the head. This is one of the modern methods of medical diagnosis, which is suitable for patients of different age categories.

Description of the procedure

Computer tomography is a method of studying the state and structure of internal organs with the help of X-rays. The tomograph allows you to get a high-quality image that is processed by a computer. The method is based on the technology of X-ray (layer-by-layer) imaging and detection of rays by ultrasensitive detectors (to reduce the radiation dose), as well as image processing and analysis using computer programs.

A computer tomogram (CT) of the head gives a complete picture of the state of the brain, soft tissues, and bone contiguous structures. This method of diagnosis is used to identify pathologies and control their treatment. A more complex and accurate method is magnetic resonance imaging, which allows to diagnose any disturbance in the work of the nervous system.

Indications for the appointment of CT head

Until recently, the main "tool" for diagnosing the state of the nervous system was a special hammer, which the neurologist checked sensitivity. The experts did not have a chance to look at the essence of the problem. Currently, computerized tomography allows you to examine areas of the brain. Although doctors do not forget about old devices.

An imaging of the brain can be performed with certain symptoms and complaints of the patient. The main indications for the diagnosis are the following pathological conditions:

• Unreasonable headaches;
• Suspicions of oncology;
• Trauma to the skull;
• Periodic increase in intracranial pressure;
• Encephalitis, meningitis;
• Cerebral hemorrhage (stroke);
• Pathology of the central nervous system in history;
• Presence of foreign bodies.

The direction for the diagnosis can be given by a neurosurgeon, a neurologist, an otolaryngologist. Also, the specialist tells the patient where to make a tomogram of the head. Modern equipment is now equipped with many private medical centers and hospitals.

What does the tomogram of the head show?

During the study, the X-rays pass through the tissues of the area under investigation. Sensors located inside the device fix the changed rays, and the computer starts to process the received information and converts it into images. On the resulting black and white picture you can identify injuries, tumors, hemorrhages, determine their location and size.

The tomogram of the head makes it possible to assess the state of gray and white matter, the ventricles of the brain, the bones of the facial and cerebral part, the vessels, veins, arteries, the paranasal sinuses.

With the help of a tomograph, the following pathologies are diagnosed in patients:

• thrombosis;
• aneurysm;
• Hemorrhagic, ischemic stroke;
• Cysts;
• Infectious processes;
• Congenital malformations;
• Trauma to the skull;
• osteomyelitis;
• Tumor lesions.

How do tomography of the head?

Do not be afraid of the procedure - it is completely painless. The scanning installation is a cylindrical tube, which is surrounded by magnets. The patient is placed on a special mobile table (couch), which "enters" inside the tunnel of the scanner when it is activated. The examiner should be in the next room and monitor the diagnostic process, the patient's condition.

During the diagnosis around the table, on which the patient is located, the unit rotates. In working condition, the device may make noise. It is important to remain calm and not move to get an accurate picture. If necessary, the specialist can fix the patient's head with special straps for the time of scanning.

When is it forbidden to do CT?

In contrast to magnetic resonance imaging, CT has a number of limitations. Do not perform the procedure for patients who weigh more than 150 kg. Modern equipment for tomography is not designed to conduct a survey of such patients. An alternative method in this case is MRI.

If the patient suffers from fear of enclosed space, the tomogram of the head can be performed only under general anesthesia. If there are serious mental abnormalities in the procedure, the procedure is not carried out.

It is contraindicated to prescribe tomography to pregnant women. During lactation, CT can be performed, but within the next 24 hours it is necessary to refrain from feeding the baby and drain the milk.

Is it possible to carry out the procedure for children?

Conducting tomography to small patients is possible, but only in cases of special need. For a child's body, X-rays are dangerous. Therefore, computer tomography is often replaced by magnetic resonance imaging, in which electromagnetic radiation is used. In the first year of life of the baby, when the fontanel is still open, it is possible to investigate the state of the brain by a method of diagnosis, such as neurosonography.

A tomogram of the head can be assigned to babies in the following cases:

• Diagnosis of birth injuries;
• Increased intracranial pressure;
• hydrocephalus;
• Vascular anomalies, cysts;
• Suspicions of oncology;
• psychical deviations;
• Trauma, bruising, fractures of the skull.

How to prepare a child?

To make a tomogram of a head to the child without application of a narcosis or restful preparations it is possible far not always because of age features. It is difficult for babies to maintain immobility while scanning with a tomograph. In addition, the child may be afraid of the sounds produced by the operating apparatus. That's why the procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The state of the child will be monitored by an anesthesiologist and a doctor.

Anesthesia is done only on an empty stomach and therefore the last meal of the child should be no later than 4 hours before the procedure. Breastfeed can be fed for 2-3 hours. In some cases, experts recommend that you first make an electrocardiogram for your child. If a contrast agent is needed, the sensitivity of the baby to the drug should be checked beforehand.

Adult Training

This method of diagnosis does not require special preparation. Immediately before the procedure, the patient must remove from himself metal objects, ornaments. A specialist should be warned about the presence of metal implants. Do not go through the procedure for a full stomach.

If the patient is shown a CT scan using a contrast medium, you must exclude food for 4-5 hours before the scan begins. Otherwise, there may be nausea, vomiting, dizziness. If necessary, the patient can take a sedative before the procedure.

Applying contrast

If necessary, tomography can be performed using a special contrast medium. This allows you to visualize the most complex areas that are inaccessible to conventional X-rays. Who is shown the procedure and how do the tomogram of the head with contrast? First of all, this method of diagnosis is necessary for patients who need to check the condition of the vessels. The coloring substance allows to find a new focus of ischemia and oncological neoplasms.

During the day after the procedure, the contrast agent will be excreted from the body. During this period it is important to drink plenty of fluids. To avoid negative consequences, it is recommended to pass the laboratory diagnosis and exclude allergy to contrast.

Contraindications

Use of a contrast agent is prohibited for patients, whose age is less than 14 years, as well as for pregnant women. Contraindications include renal failure, the presence of allergic reactions to iodine, thyroid gland pathology, leukemia.

Only after excluding all contraindications can a computer tomogram of the head be performed. It should be borne in mind that the method is considered to be one of the most informative, and therefore doctors do not recommend to refuse diagnostics without good reasons. The procedure helps in the early stages to identify the disease and begin its timely treatment.

Tomogram of the head: description of the results

It may take some time for the specialist to decipher the results. Usually, pictures are given to the patient 30-60 minutes after diagnosis, but in some cases you have to wait longer. The patient receives black-and-white photographs, a disk with a record and a description of the tomography data.

With the answer received, you should consult a doctor who gave directions to the passage of the tomogram of the head. In the future, you may need to consult other specialists.

Cost and Feedback

According to experts, the tomogram of the head does not cause significant harm to the human body, if the survey is conducted on new equipment. The average radiation dose for one session is 6 m3v. To study the state of the skull and brain, the irradiation does not exceed 2 m3v.

Patients are recommended to give preference to multislice tomographs, which in a short time (several seconds) perform a large number of sections and carry the lowest radiation load. The cost of the procedure usually depends on the equipment and varies between 3 000-5 000 rubles. If it is necessary to use a contrast medium, the procedure price will increase to 7 000-12 000 rubles.

Many patients begin to worry when they learn that they have a computer tomogram of the head. Feedback about the procedure is confirmed by their fears, and the patients start refusing to undergo the examination. In fact, this only aggravates the situation. Timely diagnosis allows you to detect in time the slightest disturbances in the work of the nervous system and begin therapy. Do not worry about radiation, because the dose will be minimal and will not cause harm to health.