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At THINK Neurology for Kids in The Woodlands, Katy, Sugar Land, and San Antonio, Texas, our experienced specialists provide world-class pediatric neurological care for children, teens, and young adults in the Houston area.
Whether we’re investigating unexplained seizures, persistent dizziness, sudden weakness, or worsening headaches after a concussion, our comprehensive neurological evaluation may call for rapid diagnostic imaging in the form of a head/brain CT scan.
Head CT scan testing explained
A computed tomography (CT) scan is a fast, noninvasive, and highly detailed diagnostic imaging test. Using specialized X-ray equipment, it takes multiple pictures at various angles — or cross-sectional images — of a specific area of the body.
These layered 2D images are then processed by an advanced computer that combines them into comprehensive 3D images. CT scans may use contrast material (dye taken orally or via IV) to make certain structures (blood vessels) even clearer.
A CT scan of your child’s head shows their:
- Brain and brainstem
- Ventricles and fluids
- Skull and facial bones
- Major blood vessels
- Eyes and optic nerves
- Inner ear structures
CT scanning uses a bit more radiation than a standard X-ray, but still qualifies as a safe, low-dose radiation imaging method. Because children are more sensitive to radiation, our pediatric neurology team uses the lowest possible dose necessary to obtain clear images.
What a head CT scan can reveal
A pediatric head CT scan can provide a lot of helpful information about your child’s brain, ranging from structural changes to acute health problems and chronic disease.
If their brain is affected by injury, inflammation, infection, bleeding, blockage, or a tumor, a CT scan will detect it. The scan’s detailed 3D images can help us diagnose:
Traumatic injuries
Because it’s quick and highly detailed, a head CT scan is the go-to diagnostic tool for detecting suspected skull fractures, brain swelling (cerebral edema), and internal bleeding (hemorrhages or hematomas) after a head injury (concussion).
Structural abnormalities
A head CT scan can reveal congenital brain defects, underdeveloped areas of the brain, and structural conditions (Chiari malformation) that can cause persistent unexplained symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or numbness.
Brain infections
A head CT scan can help us diagnose brain infections, such as meningitis or encephalitis, as well as acute bone infections (osteomyelitis of the skull) that may have spread from adjacent areas like the ears or sinuses.
Tumors and lesions
A head CT scan allows us to identify and diagnose suspected lesions, including cancerous tumors and non-cancerous growths like a brain cyst. By showing the characteristics, size, and location of the lesion, the 3D images also help guide treatment planning.
Fluid buildup
A head CT scan can detect enlarged brain cavities (ventricles) caused by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) buildup, which can increase intracranial pressure and lead to a dangerous condition called hydrocephalus. When it happens during childhood, CSF fluid buildup is often linked to a brain infection or traumatic brain injury.
Vascular problems
Using contrast dye during a head CT scan enables the clear visualization of blood vessel problems like clots (venous sinus thrombosis), malformations (aneurysms), and stroke.
When a head CT scan is needed
Head CT scans are an invaluable diagnostic tool for the rapid evaluation of urgent acute brain conditions as well as persistent neurological symptoms. We conduct this quick test when we need more information about:
Head and brain trauma
A head CT scan is highly beneficial for immediate post-trauma evaluation after a head injury sustained in a fall or accident. It may also be part of follow-up brain injury care.
A CT scan is especially important when certain traumatic brain injury symptoms are present, such as loss of consciousness, worsening headaches, repeated vomiting, black eyes, head swelling, vision changes, weakness, and severe irritability.
Sudden-onset symptoms
Severe, sudden-onset symptoms that indicate neurological changes — such as debilitating “thunderclap” headaches, unexplained seizures or fainting, vertigo, dizziness, confusion, or sudden concerning changes in thinking and behavior.
Brain-related physical changes
Sudden or persistent symptoms that indicate a suspected neurological deficit — including gait changes, balance and coordination problems, weakness or tremors on one side, and numbness — typically call for a head CT scan.
CT scans vs. MRI testing
CT scans are the go-to diagnostic test in pediatric urgent care cases involving brain trauma because they’re much faster than an MRI, making them easier to conduct on children who have trouble staying completely still. A child can even move slightly during a head CT scan without affecting image clarity.
While MRI testing is radiation-free and provides clearer pictures of soft tissues, a CT scan shows skull fractures, acute bleeding, and the location, shape, and size of an abnormal brain area more clearly.
Pediatric neurology in Houston
Do you have a question about pediatric head CT scans? We have answers. Contact THINK Neurology for Kids in The Woodlands, Katy, Sugar Land, or San Antonio, Texas, today.
Our expert team — including Shaun Varghese, MD, Cristina Marchesano, MD, Lorena Herbert, MD, Barbara Kiersz-Mueller, DO, Lauren Weaver, MD, Alicia Walls, MD, Sundeep Mandava, MD, Sherwin Oommen, MD, Robby Korah, FNP-C, Jennifer Duchaney, CPNP-PC, Tammy DeLaGarza, FNP-C, and Heather King, CPNP-PC — is always here to help.