Tomography of the brain

A CT scan of the brain is used to study the pathology of the brain substance. This method is non-invasive, it combines the use of computer technology and X-rays. With the help of X-ray equipment, a series of transverse graphic images is obtained, which are then processed by a computer. This method allows to study in detail the features of soft tissues, bone substance, vessels. Computerized tomography of the brain provides much more information than conventional radiography.

The advantages of this method are:

- Multifunctionality and clarity. Tomography allows you to obtain a detailed image of all types of tissues.

- Speed. In trauma or stroke, this method helps to quickly determine hemorrhage and other damage. A computer tomography takes a couple of minutes. For a magnetic resonance study, it will take half an hour.

- The tomograph is easy to use.

- Painless and non-invasive.

- Profitability. This method of research is cheaper (if compared with magnetic resonance imaging).

- Sensitivity.

- Ability to obtain three-dimensional images.

The mechanism of work

The principle of operation of the tomograph is similar to the mechanism of the X-ray apparatus. The device has X-ray sources that send radiation to the head, and sensors that convert the rays into a graphic image. The tissues absorb radiation depending on their density, the higher it is, the greater the absorbing capacity. Such formations appear lighter in comparison with less dense formations. For example, bones have a light tint, the substance of the brain, on the contrary, is dark.

Application

Computer tomography of the brain allows you to determine the accumulation of blood that is in the cavities of the skull, and bone structures. The study of other structures (if there is sufficient time) is carried out with the help of MRI.

Computer tomography of the brain can detect the following pathologies:

- brain damage, bleeding, fractures of the bones of the skull, which occur with various injuries of the head ;

- intracranial hemorrhage, which occurred as a result of a stroke;

- signs of ischemic stroke, which appear within two to three hours after the onset of the first symptom. A more sensitive diagnostic method is magnetic resonance imaging;

- Brain abscess (requires contrast enhancement);

- hydrocephalus - an increase in the size of the ventricles of the brain ;

- swelling;

- defects and lesions of the bones of the skull.

Computed tomography of the brain can be used for:

- evaluation of the extent of soft tissue and bone damage in patients who have various trauma to the face, which helps to facilitate reconstruction planning in surgical practice;

- diagnosis of temporal bone injuries, in which the auditory function may be impaired;

- definitions of pathological processes that affect the sinuses of the nose;

- planning of therapy for various brain tumors;

- needle directions during brain tissue biopsy;

- studies of vascular pathology;

- drainage of abscesses.

Tomography of cerebral vessels requires the use of contrast agents. By contrast, we mean special substances that improve image quality and help to identify structures that are not noticed by conventional tomography. Usually, meglumine iotalamate, sodium diatrizoate is used. The contrast has a high radiological density, therefore, the formations that accumulate it, in the pictures are painted in light colors.