Ct Scan

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)