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Health Dictionary

Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.

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Traumatic brain injury CT

Introduction

Overview

Overview

Head CT scan is the first and foremost test in evaluation of traumatic brain injury.

CT

CT

The CT test of choice in traumatic brain injury is a non-contrast CT head. The test is fast, inexpensive and widely available.
It plays a crucial role in the diagnostic workup, classification, prognosis and workup.
Acute findings of CT head include
- Midline shift
- Cerebral contusion
- Brain herniation
- Hydrocephalus
- Skull fracture
- Hematomas
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage
- Intraventricular hemorrhage

Axial non-contrast CT showing an epidural hematoma (yellow arrowhead), frontal lobe contusions (larger on the left) and a subdural hematoma extending into the parafalcine region (yellow arrow). Case courtesy of Dr Bruno Di Muzio (Picture courtesy: Radiopedia)

Axial non-contrast CT showing epidural hematomas (yellow arrowhead), and a midline shift. Case courtesy of Dr Subash Thapa (Picture courtesy: Radiopedia)

Axial non-contrast CT showing an intraventricular hemorrhage (yellow arrowhead), mild ventricular dilation (yellow arrow), and soft tissue swelling (yellow triangle). Case courtesy of Dr Derek Smith (Picture courtesy: Radiopedia)

References

References

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Joanna Ekabua, M.D. [2]