What is a computed tomography (CT) scan?
A CT scan is a kind of X-ray that makes pictures of internal organs, bones, disks and blood vessels. Images are stored on a computer and can produce a series of detailed images or “slices” of the part of the body studied. Each slice takes a few seconds to record. CT scans may be done for any part of the body, including the brain. Why is a CT scan ordered for me? Your physician uses the CT scan of the neck, thoracic spine or lumbar spine to detect spine problems such as herniated disks, osteoporosis, injuries, tumors, deformities and problems with the spinal cord. It can be used to show internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs and pancreas. It is good at showing bones and for looking for fractures. A CT of the head may be ordered to obtain information about tumors, bleeding in the head, aneurysms, blood clots, infection and stroke. CT also can show problems with eyes and optic nerves, inner-ear bones and nerves leading from the ear to the brain, and the sinus cavities.
