CT Scan

Computed Tomography (CT) scans combine the use of a computer with a rotating x-ray device to create detailed cross-sectional images or “slices” of the different organs and body sections. These slices are then assembled in two-dimensional, high-resolution images by a computer. CT imaging is considered safe and the diagnostic benefit of a CT scan outweighs the risks of x-ray radiation exposure or injections of contrast media.

CT has the unique ability to present an image of a combination of soft tissue, bone, and blood vessels. For example, a conventional x-ray image of the head can only show the dense bone structures of the skull, whereas a CT image of the head allows physicians to also see soft tissue structures, such as the brain and blood vessels. As a result, CT scans provide better precision and reveal more information than a regular x-ray exam. For more information, click here.