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Imaging Techniques To Diagnose Headaches |
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Amongst the other techniques used to diagnose headaches, imaging
techniques are also widely used. There are three types of imaging
techniques used for this purpose. These include Computed Tomography Scan,
Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Positron Emission Tomography Scan.
Computed
Tomography Scan (CT scan)
CT scan stands for Computed Tomography
Scan. Originally it was called CAT scan, which stood for Computed Axial
Tomography Scan. A CT scan or a CAT scan machine is basically like an
x-ray machine connected to the computer giving a series of detailed
pictures of the head. These series of images are combined by the
computer into a single 2D image. This 2-D image of the brain is then
studied on a television-like monitor.
A CT scan provides a more
precise visualization and is also less expensive than a MRI. But the
disadvantage of a CT scan is that it exposes the patient to the harmful
effects of ionizing radiations.
The CT scan may be performed with
or without a dye. A dye may be injected in the brain so that the brain
shows up clearly in the scan. This dye is iodine-based. Therefore,
patients, who are allergic to iodine, need to be careful.
It may be used to detect tumors in the brain and to rule out
organic diseases as the cause of the headache. It can also help in
detecting acute bleeding in the brain and sinusitis.
Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI)
An MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance
Imaging. This test does not use radiation or any other invasive
technique. It produces fine quality images and is a very versatile
technique, making use of high-frequency radio waves.
In this
case, a powerful magnet linked to the computer takes images of the areas
inside the body and these images can actually be printed. A dye may or
may not be injected.
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