What Is a CT Head Scan?
A CT head scan (computed tomography) uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of your brain, skull, and surrounding tissues. Unlike regular X-rays, CT scans provide 3D visualization of brain structures, making them essential for diagnosing strokes, traumatic brain injuries, tumors, infections, and other neurological conditions.
The scan evaluates brain parenchyma (gray and white matter), ventricular system, blood vessels, skull bones, and soft tissues. Our AI-powered brain CT interpretation online analyzes these complex anatomical structures, identifying normal variants, age-related changes, and pathological findings with radiologist-level precision.
Common CT Head Findings Explained
CT head scans reveal various brain structures and potential abnormalities. Understanding these findings helps distinguish between normal age-related changes and pathological conditions requiring medical attention.
- Brain Atrophy: Age-related brain volume loss, normal in elderly patients
- White Matter Hypodensities: Small vessel disease or chronic changes
- Calcifications: Normal aging process or previous infections
- Ventricular Prominence: May indicate hydrocephalus or normal aging
- Hemorrhage: Blood collection indicating stroke or trauma
- Mass Effect: Pressure on surrounding brain tissue from lesions
Emergency vs Routine CT Head Findings
Distinguishing between urgent and non-urgent CT head findings is crucial for appropriate medical response. Our AI analysis prioritizes critical findings that require immediate attention.
Emergency Findings
- Acute intracranial hemorrhage
- Large vessel occlusion (stroke)
- Midline shift > 5mm
- Skull fractures with brain injury
- Signs of increased intracranial pressure
- Acute hydrocephalus
Routine/Chronic Findings
- Age-appropriate brain atrophy
- Small vessel disease changes
- Chronic lacunar infarcts
- Benign calcifications
- Stable chronic changes
- Normal anatomical variants
Stroke Detection and Brain Injury Assessment
CT head scans are the first-line imaging for suspected stroke and traumatic brain injury. Early detection of these conditions is critical for optimal patient outcomes and treatment decisions.
Hemorrhagic Stroke Signs
Hyperdense areas indicating fresh blood, mass effect, midline shift
Ischemic Stroke Signs
Early hypodensity, loss of gray-white differentiation, sulcal effacement
Traumatic Brain Injury
Contusions, diffuse axonal injury, skull fractures, epidural hematoma
Normal Aging Changes
Cerebral atrophy, ventricular prominence, white matter hypodensities
Advanced AI CT Head Analysis Process
Our neuroimaging interpretation online uses sophisticated neural networks trained on millions of CT head scans to provide comprehensive brain imaging analysis:
Image Processing: Analyzes CT slices for anatomical structures and densities
Abnormality Detection: Identifies hemorrhage, infarcts, masses, and structural changes
Severity Assessment: Evaluates clinical significance and urgency of findings
Report Generation: Provides clear explanations and follow-up recommendations