CT scan
A CT scan stands for Computed tomography scan.
CT uses a computer and a rotating x-ray device to create detailed, cross-sectional images, or slices, of organs and body parts. (eHealthMD, 2004)
The Machine resembles a doughnut shape, and works as the patient lies on their back still.
As the scanner rotates, the detector takes numerous snapshots called "profiles."
Typically, about 1,000 profiles are taken in one rotation
The machine’s pictures are 3 dimensional
The CT scan was originally known as an EMI scan.
The machine was introduced in the 1970’s
It can diagnose many disease entities
It is very Expensive
It can diagnose.......
o bleeding, brain injury and skull fractures
o bleeding due to a ruptured/leaking aneurysm in a patient with a sudden severe headache
o a blood clot or bleeding within the brain shortly after a patient exhibits symptoms of a stroke
o a stroke
o brain tumors
o enlarged brain cavities in patients with hydrocephalus
o diseases/malformations of the skull
o evaluate the extent of bone and soft tissue damage in patients with facial trauma, and planning surgical reconstruction
o diagnose diseases of the temporal bone on the side of the skull, which may be causing hearing problems
o determine whether inflammation or other changes are present in the paranasal sinuses
o plan radiation therapy for cancer of the brain or other tissues
o guide the passage of a needle used to obtain a tissue sample (biopsy) from the brain
o assess aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations
(Wikipedia, 2009)
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