CT scan, also known as the CAT scan, involves a combination of special X rays that are used to produce multiple images of a body part and give a cross-sectional view of that part when interpreted through sophisticated computer technology. These images reveal the structure of bones, blood vessels, and muscles with a greater degree of clarity than normal X rays. This has the advantage of showing clearly not just tough bone tissues as normal X rays do, but also soft tissues of the body. Thus, CT scans are very useful for detecting internal hemorrhages caused by external injuries, internal blood clots, tumors and cancerous growth of cells in a certain part of the body, and other internal irregularities that cannot be detected through external physical examination or even normal X ray tests. This is especially relevant for diagnosing brain tumors and injuries as the skull bones make the highly sensitive and vital organ, brain otherwise inaccessible.
CT scan of the skull is used to detect enlarged brain cavities in patients suffering from hydrocephalus, brain tumors, strokes, blood clots, internal bleeding, cranial fractures, and malformations of the skull bones. Additionally, CT scan of the skull is also useful in cases of major accidents in which the bones of the face and the head have sustained substantial damage and require surgical and cosmetic reconstruction. In case of hearing impairments, CT scans are useful in detecting problems relating to the temporal bones. Such scans are also useful in determining the correlation between sinusitis problems and inflammation of soft tissue within the skull. CT scans can also suggest ways of collecting a sample from the brain for biopsy through a safe route and determining the plan for radiation therapy to treat brain cancer.
You are not required to make any special preparation for the scan. You will be asked to wear a loose gown and take off all metal objects from your person, such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, earrings, dentures and hairpins. You may also be asked not to eat or drink anything for a few hours before the test and report to the doctor if you suffer from any allergy or ailment.
You will be asked to lie on an examination table, which will enter and rotate inside a box-like machine where your skull will be subjected to the rays from various positions to obtain a cross-sectional image.