What diseases can a head CT scan detect?

Mar 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Tian Hongbo

Introduction

In general, cranial CT can detect head trauma, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, cerebral vascular malformations, intracranial tumors, and other conditions. CT examinations involve a certain level of radiation exposure and should be performed only upon a physician's recommendation. During a cranial CT examination, a qualified physician should make decisions based on the patient's specific circumstances and comprehensively analyze and interpret the results.

Generally, a cranial CT scan can detect head trauma, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, cerebrovascular malformations, and intracranial tumors. Cranial CT involves a certain amount of radiation exposure and the decision to undergo this examination should be made under a physician's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Head Trauma

Cranial CT is the preferred method for evaluating head injuries. It can detect skull fractures, epidural hemorrhage, subdural hemorrhage, cerebral contusions, and lacerations.

2. Cerebral Hemorrhage

Cerebral hemorrhage refers to bleeding within the brain parenchyma caused by ruptured blood vessels. Cranial CT is highly sensitive to cerebral hemorrhage and can reveal hyperdense lesions during the acute phase, helping physicians quickly determine the location and extent of the bleeding.

3. Cerebral Infarction

Cerebral infarction occurs when a blockage in a brain vessel leads to localized cerebral tissue ischemia and hypoxia, resulting in necrosis. Although cranial CT may not show positive findings within the first 24 hours after the onset of cerebral infarction, hypodense lesions can be detected after 24 hours, aiding in definitive diagnosis.

4. Cerebrovascular Malformations

Cerebrovascular malformations are abnormalities in the number and structure of blood vessels in certain areas of the brain caused by abnormal vascular development. Common types include aneurysms and moyamoya disease. Cranial CT angiography can further evaluate intracranial vascular conditions.

5. Intracranial Tumors

Intracranial tumors include both primary brain tumors and metastatic tumors. Most tumors have densities different from those of normal brain tissue. During contrast-enhanced scans, different types of tumors exhibit varying degrees and patterns of enhancement, which helps further determine the nature and extent of the tumor.

When undergoing a cranial CT scan, a qualified physician should decide based on the patient's specific condition and perform comprehensive analysis and interpretation of the results.

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Does drinking water on the day of the physical exam have any effect?

If a physical examination requires tests for blood glucose, blood lipids, liver function, and kidney function, it is generally required to fast and avoid drinking water after 8 PM the previous night to prevent affecting the examination results. However, for other examination items such as head CT scans, MRI scans, abdominal ultrasounds, and electrocardiogram (ECG) tests, drinking water normally is generally allowed and will not affect the examination results.