You hit your head, or maybe you have been getting headaches that just will not quit. Your local doctor mentions a head CT scan in NYC for a clearer look. For a CT scan diagnosis in Brooklyn, NY, City Wide Radiology can help you understand this process first-hand.
In the meantime, learn what a head CT scan may reveal about your health.
What a Head CT Scan Diagnosis Involves
You may wonder exactly what a head CT scan shows. Typically, a computed tomography scan will use X-rays and a computer to create a detailed image of your brain and skull. These scans take multiple images from different angles and stack them into cross-sections, almost like slicing a loaf of bread to see each layer individually.
This level of detail makes it a powerful tool, and your CT scan in NYC may show things that a regular X-ray would miss. The average in 2021 was about 375 million CT scans performed worldwide each year, and this number had risen between 3 and 4% annually, according to Frost & Sullivan. Why the growing interest in this technology?
Here is what a head CT scan might reveal:
- Bleeding: Blood in or around the brain, which may signal a stroke or injury
- Swelling: Areas of pressure or fluid buildup inside the skull
- Fractures: Breaks in the skull bone
- Tumors: Growths that need further testing
- Blockages: Signs of certain strokes, such as blocked blood flow
A clear view of these issues helps your doctor figure out what is going on and decide on the next steps.
When Doctors Recommend a Head CT Scan
There are several common reasons your doctor might schedule a head CT scan as a first-choice diagnostic tool. It often comes down to speed and detail because a CT scan is fast, and that matters a lot in an emergency.
One study in Neurology found that the number of head CT scans during U.S. emergency room visits more than doubled, from 7.8 million to 16 million, between 2007 and 2022. Situations where doctors recommend a head CT scan may include:
- Ongoing or severe headaches
- Dizziness or fainting
- Trouble with balance
- Sudden confusion
- Changes in speech
- Seizures without a clear cause
- Blows to the head
If your symptoms fit, your doctor might be erring on the side of caution to protect your health.
Getting Diagnostic Head CT Scans at a Brooklyn Imaging Center
The diagnostic uses of head CT imaging extend to monitoring known conditions and confirming or ruling out a diagnosis. This kind of imaging supports a wide range of care, including making it easy to use a head CT scan for brain injury evaluation after trauma.
According to the AJR Journal Club, only 7.1% of emergency patients with dizziness and 6.4% of those with fainting had acutely abnormal head CT findings. Another study in the American Journal of Medicine reported that among frequently admitted patients, only 4% showed clinically significant findings in head CT scans. That is why your provider looks at the full picture, including your age and history, and orders the test when it is most likely to give clear answers.
Why City Wide Radiology Is Your Trusted Imaging Partner for a CT Scan in NYC
CT scans in NYC can give doctors a fast way to check for bleeding or swelling that needs quick action. These scans are painless and usually take only a few minutes. Our team at City Wide Radiology can guide patients through choosing between an MRI and a CT scan to help everyone make confident decisions.
Call City Wide Radiology at (718) 236-6800 to book an appointment in Brooklyn, NY. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about head CT scans.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Head CT Scan in Brooklyn, NY?
A head CT scan usually takes only a few minutes. The setup and preparation may take slightly longer.
Is a Head CT Scan Safe?
A head CT scan is generally considered safe. The small amount of radiation involved is weighed against the helpful information it provides.
Who Should Get a CT Scan in NYC?
New Yorkers with head trauma or a doctor’s referral may be good candidates for a CT scan. Talk with your provider about whether this diagnostic test is right for your situation.