Categories: Urgent Care

5 Reasons You May Need a CT Scan

Computerized Tomography, or CT scans, use X-rays to produce images, unlike MRI scans, which use magnetic fields and radio waves. CT scans expose a person to X-rays, but the scanners are designed so that the patient is not exposed to extremely high radiation levels. CT scans are quicker than MRI scans, usually lasting about ten minutes. The doctor will always weigh the benefits and risks of a CT scan before advising a patient to have one. Read on to learn why a physician might refer patients for a CT scan.

Reasons for getting a CT scan

A CT scan can detect brain conditions like stroke and vascular dementia. The images produced by a CT scan provide detailed information about brain tissue and brain structures. Here are the five most common reasons a patient may require a CT scan.

  1. Examining head and brain injuries or conditions

Head and brain CT scans can check for and assess a variety of issues, including:

  • Evaluation of soft tissue and bone damage after facial trauma
  • Planning for surgical reconstruction
  • Diagnosis of issues with the temporal bone in the skull that can cause hearing problems
  • Identification of inflammation in the sinuses
  • Guiding the needle for a brain biopsy
  • Assessing aneurysms

A CT scan can be useful for doctors and surgeons performing tests and procedures on the head and brain. For example, the CT scan can help guide doctors during a biopsy, surgery, or while a patient is undergoing radiation therapy.

2. Guiding cancer treatment

CT scans are often instrumental in diagnosing cancer and forming a treatment plan. When a physician administers radiation treatment, they use CT scans to clarify the position of tumors. Doctors also use CT scans to determine the efficacy of chemotherapy, as the images can show how much cancer has spread and how quickly.

A CT scan can also help doctors look for changes in the body. This can be useful for individuals with emphysema or liver masses.

3. Identifying blood clots and tumors

CT scans help doctors identify blood clots and tumors when a patient is experiencing related symptoms. For example, when a patient needs surgery on a tumor, a CT scan is often the first step in the process. The more information the surgeon has about the location and size of the tumor, the more efficiently they can perform procedures, such as biopsies.

Doctors also use these scans to look for signs of an infection or excess fluid. In addition, CT scans allow doctors and surgeons to identify how engaged a tumor is with the surrounding tissue, which could improve surgical outcomes.

4. Checking for bone and joint problems or conditions

CT scans can determine bone or joint problems due to an injury or ongoing condition, even if an X-ray does not show any issues. CT scans can detect several issues that could be the source of pain, including everything from bone fractures to tumors.

Car accident victims who are suffering from internal bleeding and other injuries that are not outwardly visible need a fast way to diagnose the problem. A CT scan can detect internal injuries and bleeding so that physicians know what areas to treat.

5. Diagnosing abdominal pain

CT scans of the abdomen may use barium as a contrast dye to produce highly detailed images of organs, including the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, spleen, ovaries, and uterus. The addition of intravenous iodine-based dye amplifies the images and quality, allowing physicians to diagnose various issues simultaneously. CT scans can check for:

  • Abdominal pain
  • A mass in the abdomen
  • Kidney stones
  • Possible inflammation in the intestines
  • Possible obstructions in the small or large intestine
  • Unexplained weight loss

A CT urography describes the radiological exam that evaluates the kidneys, bladder, and ureters.

Find out if you need a CT scan

There are various other reasons a patient may need or benefit from a CT scan, including symptoms that require a deeper look into the body than an X-ray can. Our team can help by discussing your symptoms, thoroughly examining your body for visible signs, and conducting an assessment before ordering a CT scan. We will then discuss your options and determine whether the CT scan would be in your best interest. Finally, we can explain the results and order of operations, depending on the type of scan and location in the body. If you would like more information about our services, call our office at {{PHONE}} today and book a consultation.

To learn more about our services, visit https://tx-urgentcare.com or call our New Caney office at (832) 941-1894 to schedule an appointment.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

How Drug Screening Works And Why It's Necessary

Drug screening is integral to many industries and institutions, such as workplaces, in-patient treatment programs, and sports organizations. These screenings look for signs of prescription, legal, or illegal drugs in a urine or hair sample. If you have an upcoming drug screening, you may have questions about the process. Here is what you should know.Drug…

When To Visit Urgent Care: Signs You Need Immediate Attention

Searching "urgent care near me" is likely the first step individuals take when they experience a sudden medical condition. However, some may not be aware of the difference between urgent and emergency situations or conditions. Learning the signs for each situation can help you determine where to go and likely increase the chances of treatment…

Why Laboratory Services Are Crucial For Accurate Medical Diagnoses

In healthcare, laboratory services include collecting, analyzing, and testing patient samples to help diagnose, treat, and prevent disease. Symptoms, lifestyle, and health history provide incomplete information when making a medical diagnosis. Therefore, providers rely on laboratory services for the most complete and accurate information when making and confirming a diagnosis and planning and monitoring treatment.Laboratory…

How School Physicals Support Student Health And Wellness

Regardless of whether a school physical examination is necessary for admission, back-to-school season is a great time to schedule these health checkups. Not only do these checkups ensure the student’s general health, but they also allow for early detection of disease and mental health problems. Learn how a school physical can help support your student’s…

Texas Urgent Care & Imaging Center

Share
Published by
Texas Urgent Care & Imaging Center

Recent Posts

How Drug Screening Works and Why It’s Necessary

If you have an upcoming drug screening, you may have questions about the process. Here…

3 weeks ago

When to Visit Urgent Care: Signs You Need Immediate Attention

Learning the signs for each situation can help you determine where to go and likely…

3 weeks ago

Why Laboratory Services Are Crucial for Accurate Medical Diagnoses

In healthcare, laboratory services include collecting, analyzing, and testing patient samples to help diagnose, treat,…

3 weeks ago

How School Physicals Support Student Health and Wellness

Regardless of whether a school physical examination is necessary for admission, back-to-school season is a…

2 months ago

Key Components of a Physical Exam and Why They Are Important

No matter your age or stage in life, getting an annual physical exam is an…

2 months ago

Navigating Lacerations: When To Seek Medical Attention

While minor cuts can typically be treated at home, it is important to know when…

2 months ago