CT Scans - Everything you need to know

CT scans can target specific areas based on medical need. Here’s a look at the various types:

1. Head and Brain CT Scans

• Purpose: Diagnose brain injuries, tumors, stroke, and neurological issues.
• Common Uses: Stroke assessment, head trauma, tumor identification.

2. Neck CT Scans

• Purpose: Examine soft tissues and detect infections or masses.
• Common Uses: Assess thyroid nodules, lymph nodes, or detect throat cancer.

3. Chest and Thorax CT Scans

• Purpose: Identify lung conditions, cardiovascular diseases, and abnormalities.
• Common Uses: Diagnose pulmonary embolism, lung infections, and assess heart vessels.

4. Abdomen CT Scans

• Purpose: Evaluate organs in the abdominal area, such as the liver, pancreas, kidneys, and bladder.
• Common Uses: Diagnose appendicitis, liver diseases, kidney stones, and tumors.

5. Pelvis CT Scans

• Purpose: Assess reproductive organs, bladder, and bones of the pelvis.
• Common Uses: Diagnose conditions in the reproductive or urinary system, such as ovarian cysts or prostate issues.

6. Spine CT Scans

• Purpose: Assess spine-related injuries or abnormalities.
• Common Uses: Diagnose spinal fractures, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis.

7. Cardiac CT Scans

• Purpose: Provide detailed images of the heart and blood vessels.
• Common Uses: Assess coronary artery disease, heart structure, and detect calcium deposits.

8. Musculoskeletal CT Scans

• Purpose: Evaluate bones, joints, and surrounding soft tissue.
• Common Uses: Diagnose fractures, joint abnormalities, and arthritis.

9. Vascular CT Scans

• Purpose: Image blood vessels and circulation throughout the body.
• Common Uses: Detect aneurysms, blood clots, and vessel blockages.

10. Whole Body CT Scans

• Purpose: Provide a comprehensive scan for trauma, cancer screening, or overall health monitoring.
• Common Uses: Trauma assessment, cancer screening, full-body health evaluation.

11. Specialized CT Scans

• Examples: CT Virtual Colonoscopy, CT Sinus, CT Dental Scan.
• Purpose: Specialized imaging for dental, respiratory, and gastrointestinal evaluations.

Preparation for a CT Scan

1. Fasting: Some CT scans require fasting, especially if contrast dye is used.
2. Contrast Agents: In some cases, you may be given a contrast agent orally or intravenously to highlight specific areas.
3. Removing Metal Objects: Jewelry, belts, and any metal objects should be removed to avoid interference with imaging.

What to Expect During the Procedure

• Procedure Time: Most CT scans take about 10-30 minutes, depending on the type of scan.
• Sensation: CT scans are painless. If contrast dye is used, you may feel a warm sensation when it’s injected.
• Post-Procedure: Usually, no recovery time is needed. If contrast dye was used, staying hydrated helps flush it out.

While CT scans are generally safe, they do expose patients to higher radiation levels than traditional X-rays. However, the risk is minimal, and the benefits often outweigh potential harms. Pregnant women should inform their doctors, as the scan may not be advisable.

CT scans are powerful diagnostic tools that provide clear, detailed images of internal structures. From detecting tumors to diagnosing fractures and cardiovascular conditions, CT scans have become essential in modern medical diagnostics. By understanding the types of CT scans, preparation steps, and potential risks, patients can feel more informed and prepared for the procedure.

For more details on specific CT scans or to book a scan, consult with a healthcare provider.

• Head and Brain CT Scans
  • CT Brain
  • CT Head (with or without contrast)
  • CT Facial Bones
  • CT Orbits
  • CT Temporal Bone
  • CT Pituitary Gland
  • CT Internal Acoustic Meatus (IAM)
  • CT Brain Perfusion
• Neck CT Scans
  • CT Neck Soft Tissue
  • CT Cervical Spine
  • CT Neck (with contrast)
• Chest and Thorax CT Scans
  • CT Chest (High-Resolution CT - HRCT)
  • CT Pulmonary Angiography
  • CT Thorax (without or with contrast)
  • CT Coronary Angiography
  • CT Chest for Lung Nodules
  • CT Chest for Pulmonary Embolism
• Abdomen CT Scans
  • CT Abdomen (without or with contrast)
  • CT Abdomen and Pelvis
  • CT Enterography
  • CT Liver Protocol
  • CT Pancreas Protocol
  • CT Kidneys, Ureters, and Bladder (CT KUB)
  • CT Appendicitis Scan
  • CT Abdomen for Liver Lesion
• Pelvis CT Scans
  • CT Pelvis (with or without contrast)
  • CT Pelvic Bones
  • CT Urography
  • CT for Ovarian Tumor
  • CT for Prostate (CT Prostate Protocol)
• Spine CT Scans
  • CT Cervical Spine
  • CT Thoracic Spine
  • CT Lumbar Spine
  • CT Sacrum and Coccyx
  • CT Spinal Cord Imaging
  • CT Spine for Trauma
• Cardiac CT Scans
  • CT Coronary Angiography (CTCA)
  • CT Heart for Calcium Scoring
  • CT Heart Functional Analysis
  • CT Cardiac Perfusion
  • CT Pulmonary Veins
• Musculoskeletal CT Scans
  • CT Shoulder
  • CT Elbow
  • CT Wrist
  • CT Hip
  • CT Knee
  • CT Ankle
  • CT Hand/Foot
• Vascular CT Scans
  • CT Angiography (CTA) – Aorta
  • CT Peripheral Angiography
  • CT Carotid Angiography
  • CT Renal Angiography
  • CT Pulmonary Angiography
  • CT Abdominal Aorta
  • CT Venography
• Whole Body CT Scans
  • CT Whole Body Screening
  • CT Full Body Trauma
  • CT for Cancer Screening
  • Low-Dose Whole Body CT for Screening
• Specialized CT Scans
  • CT Virtual Colonoscopy
  • CT Virtual Bronchoscopy
  • CT Dental Scan (for implants and oral surgeries)
  • CT Sinuses (for sinus evaluation)
  • CT Gastrography
  • CT Small Bowel Series