Cranial CT scan

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Head CT

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The x-rays produced by the CT scan are painless. Some people may have discomfort from lying on the hard table.

Contrast given through a vein may cause a slight burning sensation, a metallic taste in the mouth, and a warm flushing of the body. These sensations are normal and usually go away within a few seconds.

A cranial CT scan is recommended to help diagnose or monitor the following conditions:

• Birth (congenital) defect of the head or brain
• Brain infection
• Brain tumor
• Buildup of fluid inside the skull (hydrocephalus)
• Craniosynostosis
• Injury (trauma) to the head and face
• Stroke or bleeding in the brain

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A cranial CT may also be done to look for the cause of:

• Changes in thinking or behavior
• Fainting
• Headache, when certain other signs or symptoms are present
• Hearing loss (in some patients)
• Symptoms of damage to part of the brain, such as vision problems, muscle weakness, numbness and tingling, hearing loss, speaking difficulties, or swallowing problems

Review Date: 11/22/2010
Reviewed By: Ken Levin, MD, Private Practice specializing in Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Allentown, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).