Most people go to the doctor when they are hurt, injured, or sick to find out what is wrong and how to fix it. While your doctor may be able to determine what’s wrong simply by listening to your symptoms, in many cases, diagnostic imaging will be required to gain a better understanding of what’s going on in your body and what’s causing your symptoms.
Many people have heard of CT scans, but not everyone has had one, and not everyone understands why someone would need one. So, have you ever wondered? that “Why do I need a CT scan?” now you know. Why are CT scans ordered by doctors? They are used in hospitals all over the world for a variety of reasons. This article will go over the most common reasons why a doctor might order a CT scan.
What is a CT Scan?
So basically, first we will discuss what exactly a CT scan? A computed tomography scan is a type of medical imaging technique that produces detailed internal images of the body. Radiographers and radiology technologists are the people who perform CT scans.
This method of healthcare screening utilizes computer technology along with the X-ray and allows the professionals to get a comprehensive view of a particular body part of the patient.
Doctors can assess different parts of the human body like bones, organs, and muscles with the help of a CT scan. CT scans could be a part of some treatment plans or the procedure might be performed independently.
CT scans are often performed as an alternative to X-rays. While X-rays are cheaper and simpler, they are not as effective as a CT scan. The details of internal organs and their structures cannot be assessed with an X-ray.
The ultimate purpose of a CT scan may vary but they are basically needed by healthcare professionals to diagnose the possible underlying reason for any health issue in the human body.
Continue reading to learn more about the most common reasons your doctor might order a CT scan.
For Several Reasons, you are unable to have an MRI.
Not all imaging procedures are the same, and there are some factors that limit the types of imaging exams a patient can have. MRI and CT scans are similar in many ways, but there are a few differences and reasons why doctors may choose one over the other for a specific patient.
CT scans are less sensitive to movement and take less time to perform than MRIs, so if you have an injury that prevents you from lying still or comfortably for 30-60 minutes, a CT scan may be preferable. This is also true if you have any kind of implanted medical device, as this is prohibited.
To Assess Blood Vessel Issues.
Among the many serious vascular diseases are stroke, peripheral artery disease (PAD), and carotid artery disease (CAD). Your doctor can see your blood vessels with a CT scan. It also allows them to look for issues such as blockages that can lead to these diseases and other fatal events. A CT scan is a far less invasive and safer method of diagnosing a blood vessel condition than surgery or biopsy.
Identification of Abdominal Problems
Experts may use barium as a contrast dye in CT Scans of the abdomen to produce highly detailed images of organs such as the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, spleen, ovaries, and uterus. The addition of an intravenous iodine-based dye refines the images even further, allowing physicians to diagnose a wide range of problems. Doctor may order a CAT scan of your abdomen to investigate:
- Your abdomen has a mass.
- Pain in the abdomen
- Unknown cause of weight loss
- Obstructions in the small or large intestines are possible.
- Intestinal inflammation is a possibility.
- Stones in the kidney
Small Bone Inspection
The bones in places like the hands and feet are extremely small. Injuries in these areas may be difficult to detect with x-rays alone, but a CT scan can provide physicians with crystal clear images that can aid in surgical repairs.
Tumour Interrogation
When someone needs tumour surgery, a CT scan is frequently the first step. The more information the surgeon has about the location and size of the tumour, the more efficiently procedures like biopsies can be performed. CT scans also allow doctors and surgeons to determine how involved a tumour is with surrounding tissue, which may improve surgical outcomes.
You should have your brain inspected.
Of course, there are numerous reasons why doctors may need to examine a patient’s internal situation, but CT scans assist doctors by providing detailed images of the brain. So, whether it’s a blunt trauma injury or a tissue-related disease that your doctor suspects you have, CT scans can help doctors better diagnose and treat brain issues.
Identifying the Cause of Chronic Pain
Chronic pain, particularly in the back or spine, can originate from a variety of sources. A fracture or an issue in another part of your body can cause chronic back pain. Experts call it a referred pain. A CT scan can assist your doctor in determining the source of your chronic pain so that doctor can treat it properly.
When an MRI is not an option, CT scan helps
MRI and CAT scans are similar in some ways, but there are times when an MRI is not appropriate and a CAT scan is. MRI scans can take an extended period of time to complete. If you are unable to lie still for that length of time due to a medical condition or injury, a CT scan can produce a more accurate image in less time.
Examining Soft Tissue Damage
A CT scan, in addition to bones and muscles, can provide your doctor with a clear picture of your soft tissues. This is useful if you have a fracture because soft tissue around the bone may be damaged. An X-ray is usually only useful for detecting bone fractures and cannot always detect tissue damage.
Sports and exercise-related injuries can cause soft tissue damage. Sprains, strains, tendinitis, and bursitis are all common soft tissue injuries that a CT scan can easily detect and diagnose.
To Specify a Tumour’s Exact Location
Your doctor may know the general location of a tumour, but a CT scan can provide a more precise location. This is advantageous in surgery because it can prevent your surgeon from making larger or multiple incisions to locate and remove a tumour.
To conclude, there are numerous reasons why you might require a CT scan. However, understanding when doctors may need to use CT scans to examine patients and their injuries can help someone understand when doctors may need to use CT scans to examine patients and their injuries. CT scans are a versatile and useful diagnostic tool because they can provide doctors with clear images of bones, soft tissues, muscles, organs, large blood vessels, the brain, and nerves.
However, if you need any kind of help or suggestion about CT scan diagnosis you can look for a medical expert who can counsel your body issues. Experts can assist you if you have questions or concerns about an illness or injury and are unable to see your regular doctor at this time. Please go to google and search for nearby ct scan lab. When you need it, medical experts are there to help you with a variety of diagnostic treatment and care options.
