Risks and Limitations of a CT Head Scan

The precise details of soft tissue are less visible on CT head scans than they are on MR images. This is because CT does not inflammation of the mengines, the membranes that cover the brain. CT head scans are also not as sensitive in the detection of aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations of the brain as conventional angiography.

Risks associated with a CT head scan include:

• Radiation exposure
• Not suitable for pregnant women
• Requires patient to lie still for long periods of time
• Patients with chronic pain may require sedatives
• Patient may have to hold his or her breath during the scan
• Allergic reaction to contrast material