CT Brain Computed Tomography of the Brain, Reasons to do CT Brain, Head injury / traum, Neurological symptoms, Infections / Inflammation, Hydrocephalus & Congenital anomalies.

CT Brain (Computed Tomography of the Brain) is done to quickly and clearly evaluate the brain and surrounding structures. It uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images.

👉 Reasons to do CT Brain:

1. Emergency conditions

• Head injury / trauma – To detect skull fractures, intracranial bleeding (hemorrhage), or brain swelling.

• Stroke – To differentiate between ischemic stroke (blockage) and hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding).

• Sudden headache / unconsciousness – To rule out bleeding, infarct, or mass lesion.

2. Neurological symptoms

• Seizures (first time or unexplained).

• Sudden weakness, numbness, slurred speech.

• Altered mental status or confusion.

• Vision or hearing disturbances.

3. Infections / Inflammation

• Suspected meningitis complications.

• Brain abscess.

• Encephalitis.

4. Tumors & Mass Lesions

• To detect brain tumors, cysts, or metastasis.

• To assess size, location, and effects on surrounding brain tissue.

5. Hydrocephalus & Congenital anomalies

• For evaluation of enlarged ventricles (CSF accumulation).

• Developmental abnormalities in children.

6. Pre- & Post-operative assessment

• Before brain surgery (to locate lesion).

• After surgery, to check for complications like bleeding or edema.

⚡ Advantages of CT Brain:

• Quick (few minutes).

• Good for emergencies, especially trauma & stroke.

• Can detect bone fractures and calcifications better than MRI.

🧠 Limitation:

• Involves radiation.

• Not as sensitive as MRI for small lesions, demyelinating disease, or posterior fossa abnormalities.