Modern diagnostics can detect various diseases in the early stages. At the same time, the techniques became less traumatic for the patient. The appearance of complications in this case is minimal. In this case, the survey result is as informative as possible. One such technique is brain imaging. The features of this type of diagnosis will be discussed later.
general description
MRI and brain tomography today are common approaches in the diagnosis of various diseases. They use different rays to examine internal organs, systems. When diagnosing pathologies in the area of the brain, they have no equal in information content.
Computed tomography (CT) is a diagnostic method that uses x-rays during the study. They are produced in a special department of the tomograph. Using this effect, it is possible to assess the condition of the intracranial space at different angles.
The device scans the brain in layers. Sensors receive feedback signals and build an overall picture in three-dimensional projection. The image of the brain that is obtained during the examination is detailed, very accurate. Brain imaging is the basis for a diagnosis.
Previously, radiography was used to diagnose various pathologies. During this examination, the patient received a greater number of x-rays. Moreover, the information content of such a survey was lower. Modern computed tomography irradiates the body much less. Moreover, it allows you to look at the object of study from different angles.
Indications
What does brain tomography show? This procedure is prescribed in a number of cases. It allows you to diagnose vascular pathologies (blood clots, constrictions, hemorrhages), to determine the presence of hematomas, as well as tumors. This diagnostic method allows you to examine in detail the tissue of the head, as well as nerves. There are a number of indications in which a similar procedure is prescribed.
Often, computed tomography is prescribed for people with a head injury. This is necessary for examining bone tissue, determining the degree of violation of its integrity. It also allows you to find foreign bodies. Computed tomography allows you to find hematomas, hemorrhages and evaluate their vastness.
If a person has been diagnosed with concussion, a similar procedure can determine the degree of edema. Also, this technique is designed to identify and analyze the displacement of individual brain structures.
Computed tomography of the brain can be prescribed by a doctor if there are suspicions of the development of tumors, as well as an assessment of their condition. This can be either a benign or a malignant neoplasm. If a person has no contraindications for MRI, choose this diagnostic method. CT is suitable for those patients for whom magnetic resonance imaging is not suitable.
A detailed assessment of the state of blood vessels, especially the blood circulation in them, helps CT. For this, a special substance is used, which is visible in x-rays. It is made on the basis of iodine. This allows you to identify the prerequisites for a stroke or its consequences.
Also, computed tomography is used to diagnose brain abscess, as well as its assessment.
Contraindications
Knowing what the tomography of the brain shows, we can draw conclusions about the high information content of the procedure. However, it is far from always possible to carry it out if there are suspicions of the development of pathology or its presence. There are a number of contraindications to the procedure.
In modern hospitals, equipment has been installed that is designed for a patient weighing up to 130 kg. In some medical institutions, it can withstand heavy loads. However, such a minority. The maximum weight of the patient, which can withstand even special equipment, is 200 kg.
It is forbidden to carry out a similar procedure for pregnant women. X-rays can adversely affect the fetus. Therefore, women in position, if indicated, can do a tomography of the brain using MRI. This procedure is not prohibited for them.
If a vascular examination is performed, the procedure is carried out using a contrast medium. It is introduced into the vessels. In this case, the patient should not be allergic to iodine or other components of the drug. Also, a similar procedure is not performed for people with impaired renal function, diabetes. During lactation, it is possible to carry out the procedure, but it is impossible to feed the baby with breast milk during the day.
For children, such a procedure is not contraindicated from the age of 3 years. However, for small patients, the examination is carried out under general anesthesia. They are not able to remain motionless during the procedure. Older children (from 6 years old) need to be explained that the procedure is painless.
The difference between CT and MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain differs from computed tomography in a number of factors. This procedure has a number of specific contraindications. During the examination of this type, the method of nuclear magnetic resonance. With CT, as already noted, x-rays are used.
It is not worth comparing these two approaches. They are highly informative. But the difference between the two approaches is significant.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain allows you to clearly see the organs in which the fluid accumulates. However, they can be protected by a dense layer of skeletal tissue. Such objects include not only the head. This and the spinal cord, pelvic organs, joints.
Computed tomography allows you to examine in detail and evaluate the structure of the cranium. X-ray radiation is characterized by high resolution. These two approaches give the same result only when examining the digestive system, kidneys, and endocrine glands.
Magnetic imaging of the brain takes longer. At the same time, its cost will be higher. CT is much simpler. If there are no contraindications to its implementation, the doctor will prescribe this type of examination. If you are allergic to vascular stain, only MRI can be done during pregnancy.
Cost
Many patients ask where to do a brain tomography. This procedure is carried out in state clinics of regional centers, as well as in private medical institutions. Today, all major cities have the appropriate equipment. For insurance, you can get tested for free. For this, the doctor issues an appropriate direction.
Often patients have to undergo a similar procedure for a fee. This is due to some of the intricacies of concluding medical insurance. The price of brain tomography depends on the region, as well as the qualifications of the staff and the type of equipment. The cost of the procedure also depends on the policy of the clinic itself. Some services that doctors perform during the examination are not included in the price. It is necessary to find out what is included in the indicated price.
In the capital, the average cost of a CT scan of the brain is from 4.5 to 6 thousand rubles. This procedure is qualitatively carried out in such clinics as “Medskan of the Russian Federation”, “Center for Endosurgery and Lithotripsy”, “AVS-Medicine” and others.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain costs about 5-12 thousand rubles. Clinics like SM Clinic, MRI Diagnostic Center, Best Clinics, MedicCity and others receive positive feedback.
Preparation
Computed tomography of the brain in St. Petersburg, Moscow or other cities of the country is performed according to the same method. The procedure does not take much time. She's pretty straightforward. Special preparation for its implementation is not necessary (the exception is contrast angiography of blood vessels).
Examination does not harm the body if there are no contraindications. Before the procedure, the doctor will recommend not to eat or drink for several hours. Before the procedure, you need to remove all jewelry, hairpins. You also need to warn the doctor about the presence of metal implants in the head area.
The examination is absolutely painless. Therefore, during its implementation, difficulties practically do not arise. It is necessary to prepare a number of documents that a doctor will require before conducting an examination.
You need to take a doctor’s referral with you. At the request of the patient, such a procedure is not performed. You also need to have a medical history, a written history. The card should contain opinions from doctors whom the patient has previously passed.
For angiography requires serious preparation. It starts 2 weeks before the procedure. You will need to take a blood coagulation test, refuse to use any alcohol. Samples are also made for the reaction of the body with the introduction of a contrast agent. General and biochemical blood tests are taken.
Reviews about the procedure
Computed tomography of the brain is quite fast. The doctor puts the patient on a special table. When you press the button, the equipment will begin to smoothly push it forward. The patient's head enters the tunnel. However, the body remains outside the confined space. This is especially important for people who suffer from claustrophobia.
The procedure lasts from 30 minutes. up to one hour. Pictures are created in different positions (360 in total). They enter a computer program that builds a three-dimensional image. During the procedure, the person should lie still all the time. This is especially problematic for children. For them, even half an hour without movement is a real punishment. For this reason, for young patients, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
A special procedure is tomography with contrast. In this case, a special substance is injected into a particular vein. Usually a catheter is used for this. It is injected into the femoral artery and advanced along the vessel to the desired level. This is a completely painless procedure. There are no nerve endings inside the vessels.
A substance that enters the body can cause a metallic taste in the mouth. Also, the patient may feel heat in the face area. It's quite normal. Symptoms go away on their own.
What does the examination show?
The procedure presented today is still being improved. Using computed tomography, a doctor can evaluate the structure of the brain in fine detail. You can also see the metabolic processes that occur in the brain, its blood flow. Tomography of cerebral vessels allows you to determine their structure, condition and interaction.
The procedure is also prescribed for the study of individual lobes of the brain, as well as their functioning. If the procedure is carried out with contrast, it greatly increases the effectiveness. However, not all patients can be assigned this type of examination.
In the image that was obtained using CT, you can see the structure of soft tissues. This allows you to identify hematomas and neoplasms. You can also assess the condition of the cranium, bone tissue.
On a CT scan, blood clots or hemorrhages, hematomas are clearly visible. Aneurysms, malignant, benign neoplasms are also visible. Using the data from this examination, the doctor can diagnose the presence of acute meningitis, as well as a number of other dangerous pathologies.
Result
Brain tomography provides the result in the form of black and white images. They are recorded on electronic media.
The bones and blood vessels are clearly visible in the pictures. If the brain has hemorrhages, foreign bodies or fluid accumulations, they will have a darker color than the tissues nearby.
Modern equipment allows you to get a three-dimensional image of different brain tissues. The doctor can look at the area of interest from all sides. It also evaluates the communication of blood vessels with a particular area, the type of its blood supply. In this case, the doctor can evaluate both venous, arterial circulation and blood circulation in the capillaries.
How often can an examination be done?
The presented procedure, although carried out on modern equipment, irradiates the human body. X-rays pass through his tissues, affecting new cells. Therefore, you should not undergo this examination because of your own whim. The computed tomography radiation dose will be even higher than with the passage of an X-ray of the lungs.
This procedure is not prescribed simply because of dizziness, tinnitus, or headaches. Characteristic symptoms should be present that indicate significant abnormalities in the brain. Only in this case, the doctor prescribes a CT scan. It will be advisable only if it is impossible to make the correct diagnosis without this diagnosis.
In some cases, the patient has complications. This can be a malaise, headache, allergy to drugs, etc. Therefore, the technology of the examination should be performed exactly to the smallest detail. For some procedures (angiography of blood vessels) you need to carefully prepare. This will reduce the risk of complications.
The frequency of examination, permissible for the year, corresponds to the dose of radiation that a person receives, the characteristics of his body.
Having examined what constitutes a tomography of the brain, you can understand the features of its conduct and purpose.