Description

Reasons for a cranial CT scan
The pictures created by a cranial CT scan are far more detailed than regular X-rays. They can help diagnose a range of conditions, including:
• abnormalities of the bones of your skull
• arteriovenous malformation, or abnormal blood vessels
• atrophy of brain tissue
• birth defects
• brain aneurysm
• hemorrhage, or bleeding, in your brain
• hydrocephalus, or fluid buildup in your skull
• infections or swelling
• injuries to your head, face, or skull
• stroke
• tumors
Your doctor may order a cranial CT scan if you’ve had an injury or display any of these symptoms with no apparent cause:
• fainting
• headache
• seizures, especially if any occurred recently
• sudden behavioral changes or changes in thinking
• hearing loss
• vision loss
• muscle weakness or numbness and tingling
• speech difficulty
• difficulty swallowing
A cranial CT scan can also be used to guide other procedures such as surgery or biopsy.