ALL ABOUT CT SCANS

Computed tomography ct scan, ct scan cat scan, ct scan abdomen

CT Scans give precise condition of head injury patients giving details about blood clot or skull fracture. They are used to find about the internal structure of various parts of the body. In case of spinal cord injury, the bony structure of the vertebrae can be accurately defined. The CT scan is also used to measure the density of bone in Osteoporosis cases.
To enhance the scan effect sometimes an X-Ray dye is placed in the spinal fluid. The structures of the spine, spinal cord and nerves are clearly visible. Those tumors not clearly visible in the X-Ray are seen in this CT scan. It is used to identify cysts, infections in the chest abdomen, and other parts of the body like liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, aorta, kidneys, uterus and ovaries. These scan reports clearly give the presence and absence of tumors and can be treated.
This technique is painless and it provides accurate images of the body structure. In addition it guides the radiologist to diagnose cancer inpatients by not operating on them but through a small hole in the affected area. It also helps removal of foreign body in the organs and draining of abcesses which are deep inside the body. The main thing is it helps the patient from having a major surgery for the same procedure .Surgery involves many days of bed rest and lot of antibiotics to be taken after surgery and minimizes hospitalization.

As in every procedure this also has its own risks. When intravenous contrast material, mostly iodine based liquid is used to get a clear picture, it may become allergic to the patient and he will end up in itching, rashes or feeling of warmth throughout the body. These reactions will get over if allowed some time. But the most dangerous risk is anaphylactic reaction. The patient may experience severe hives and extreme breathing difficulty. This reaction is rare but is life threatening. If not treated properly, medications can reverse the reaction.
Kidney failure is another complication. Of the contrast material used in CT scans. People with diabetes, dehydrated individuals, and patients who already have some kidney malfunction are prone to get this reaction. The new contrast material known as Isovue which has been developed recently eliminates this complication.
Pregnant ladies must inform previously to the radiologist so that alternative ultra sound can be used instead which is harmless to both mother and child.
As the science advances there is always some side effects which have to be over ruled since diagnosis and cure is more important. Take the risk and do the investigation and be ready to face any complication which may or may not occur.