Merck Manual

Please confirm that you are a health care professional

Yes No
honeypot link
Merck Manual
Professional Version
The trusted provider of medical information since 1899
Medical Topics & Chapters
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Professional /
Neurologic Disorders /
Neurologic Tests and Procedures /
... /
Computed Tomography (CT) in Neurologic Disorders /
OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER
Neurologic Tests and Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) in Neurologic Disorders
Electroencephalography (EEG)
Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies
Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in Neurologic Disorders
Measurement of Evoked Responses (Potentials)
Nerve and Muscle Biopsy
Other Neurologic Imaging Studies
ADDITIONAL CONTENT
Test your knowledge
Seizure Disorders
A patient experiences a seizure in which tingling and numbness occur in her left leg. Dysfunction in which of the following lobes of the brain is most likely responsible for this finding?
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
More Content

Computed Tomography (CT) in Neurologic Disorders

By

Michael C. Levin

, MD, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan

Last full review/revision Jul 2021| Content last modified Jul 2021
Click here for Patient Education
Topic Resources

Computed tomography Computed Tomography CT shows a focal area of osteolysis (arrows) involving the right acetabulum that is consistent with particle disease. In CT, an x-ray source and x-ray detector housed in a doughnut-shaped assembly... read more Computed Tomography (CT) provides rapid, noninvasive imaging of the brain and skull. CT is superior to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in visualizing fine bone detail in (but not the contents of) the posterior fossa, base of the skull, and spinal canal.

Normal Head CT Scan (Adult, Age 30)
Normal
Normal Head CT Scan (Adult, Age 30) – Slide 1

    This image is a normal CT scan of the head of a young adult aged 30. There is no intra- or extra-axial fluid or hemorrhage. Grey-white differentiation is preserved. The sulcal pattern is normal.

© 2017 Elliot K. Fishman, MD.

Normal
Normal Head CT Scan (Adult, Age 30) – Slide 2

    This image is a normal CT scan of the head of a young adult aged 30. There is no intra- or extra-axial fluid or hemorrhage. Grey-white differentiation is preserved. The sulcal pattern is normal.

© 2017 Elliot K. Fishman, MD.

Normal
Normal Head CT Scan (Adult, Age 30) – Slide 3

    This image is a normal CT scan of the head of a young adult aged 30. There is no intra- or extra-axial fluid or hemorrhage. Grey-white differentiation is preserved. Ventricular size and sulcal pattern are normal.

© 2017 Elliot K. Fishman, MD.

Normal
Normal Head CT Scan (Adult, Age 30) – Slide 4

    This image is a normal CT scan of the head of a young adult aged 30. There is no intra- or extra-axial fluid or hemorrhage. Grey-white differentiation is preserved. Ventricular size and sulcal pattern are normal.

© 2017 Elliot K. Fishman, MD.

Normal
Normal Head CT Scan (Adult, Age 30) – Slide 5

    This image is a normal CT scan of the head of a young adult aged 30. There is no intra- or extra-axial fluid or hemorrhage. Grey-white differentiation is preserved. Ventricular size and sulcal pattern are normal.

© 2017 Elliot K. Fishman, MD.

Normal
Normal Head CT Scan (Adult, Age 30) – Slide 6

    This image is a normal CT scan of the head of a young adult aged 30. There is no intra- or extra-axial fluid or hemorrhage. Grey-white differentiation is preserved. Ventricular size and sulcal pattern are normal.

© 2017 Elliot K. Fishman, MD.

Normal
Normal Head CT Scan (Adult, Age 30) – Slide 7

    This image is a normal CT scan of the head of a young adult aged 30. There is no intra- or extra-axial fluid or hemorrhage. Grey-white differentiation is preserved. Ventricular size and sulcal pattern are normal.

© 2017 Elliot K. Fishman, MD.

Normal Head CT Scan (Adult, Age 74)
Normal
Normal Head CT Scan (Adult, Age 74) – Slide 1

    This image is a normal CT scan of the head of an adult aged 74. When compared with the normal CT scan of the head of a 30-year-old, the sulci are larger. These findings are normal in this age group.

© 2017 Elliot K. Fishman, MD.

Normal
Normal Head CT Scan (Adult, Age 74) – Slide 2

    This image is a normal CT scan of the head of an adult aged 74. When compared with the normal CT scan of the head of a 30-year-old, the sulci are larger. These findings are normal in this age group.

© 2017 Elliot K. Fishman, MD.

Normal
Normal Head CT Scan (Adult, Age 74) – Slide 3

    This image is a normal CT scan of the head of an adult aged 74. When compared with the normal CT scan of the head of a 30-year-old, the ventricles and sulci are larger. These findings are normal in this age group.

© 2017 Elliot K. Fishman, MD.

Normal
Normal Head CT Scan (Adult, Age 74) – Slide 4

    This image is a normal CT scan of the head of an adult aged 74. When compared with the normal CT scan of the head of a 30-year-old, the ventricles and sulci are larger. These findings are normal in this age group.

© 2017 Elliot K. Fishman, MD.

Normal
Normal Head CT Scan (Adult, Age 74) – Slide 5

    This image is a normal CT scan of the head of an adult aged 74. When compared with the normal CT scan of the head of a 30-year-old, the ventricles and sulci are larger. These findings are normal in this age group.

© 2017 Elliot K. Fishman, MD.

Normal
Normal Head CT Scan (Adult, Age 74) – Slide 6

    This image is a normal CT scan of the head of an adult aged 74. When compared with the normal CT scan of the head of a 30-year-old, the ventricles and sulci are larger. These findings are normal in this age group.

© 2017 Elliot K. Fishman, MD.

Normal
Normal Head CT Scan (Adult, Age 74) – Slide 7

    This image is a normal CT scan of the head of an adult aged 74. When compared with the normal CT scan of the head of a 30-year-old, the ventricles and sulci are larger. These findings are normal in this age group.

© 2017 Elliot K. Fishman, MD.

Normal
Normal Head CT Scan (Adult, Age 74) – Slide 8

    This image is a normal CT scan of the head of an adult aged 74. When compared with the normal CT scan of the head of a 30-year-old, the ventricles and sulci are larger. These findings are normal in this age group.

© 2017 Elliot K. Fishman, MD.

Noncontrast CT is used to rapidly detect acute hemorrhage and various gross structural changes without concern about contrast allergy or renal failure.

A radiopaque contrast agent helps detect brain tumors Overview of Intracranial Tumors Intracranial tumors may involve the brain or other structures (eg, cranial nerves, meninges). The tumors usually develop during early or middle adulthood but may develop at any age; they are... read more Overview of Intracranial Tumors and brain abscesses Brain Abscess A brain abscess is an intracerebral collection of pus. Symptoms may include headache, lethargy, fever, and focal neurologic deficits. Diagnosis is by contrast-enhanced MRI or CT. Treatment is... read more Brain Abscess . With an intrathecal agent, CT can outline abnormalities encroaching on the brain stem, spinal cord, or spinal nerve roots (eg, meningeal carcinoma, herniated disk Herniated Nucleus Pulposus Herniated nucleus pulposus is prolapse of an intervertebral disk through a tear in the surrounding annulus fibrosus. The tear causes pain due to irritation of sensory nerves in the disk, and... read more Herniated Nucleus Pulposus ) and may detect a syrinx Syrinx of the Spinal Cord or Brain Stem A syrinx is a fluid-filled cavity within the spinal cord (syringomyelia) or brain stem (syringobulbia). Predisposing factors include craniocervical junction abnormalities, previous spinal cord... read more Syrinx of the Spinal Cord or Brain Stem in the spinal cord.

CT angiography using a contrast agent can show the cerebral blood vessels, obviating the need for MRI or angiography.

Adverse effects of contrast agents Radiographic Contrast Agents and Contrast Reactions Radiopaque contrast agents are often used in radiography and fluoroscopy to help delineate borders between tissues with similar radiodensity. Most contrast agents are iodine based. Iodinated... read more include allergic reactions and contrast nephropathy.

Click here for Patient Education
NOTE: This is the Professional Version. CONSUMERS: Click here for the Consumer Version
© 2021 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
Cerebrovascular Examination
Electroencephalography (EEG)
OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER
Neurologic Tests and Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) in Neurologic Disorders
Electroencephalography (EEG)
Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies
Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in Neurologic Disorders
Measurement of Evoked Responses (Potentials)
Nerve and Muscle Biopsy
Other Neurologic Imaging Studies
Professionals also read
Falls in Older People Falls in Older People
Papilledema Papilledema
Aspiration Pneumonitis and Pneumonia Aspiration Pneumonitis and Pneumonia
Test your knowledge
Seizure Disorders
A patient experiences a seizure in which tingling and numbness occur in her left leg. Dysfunction in which of the following lobes of the brain is most likely responsible for this finding?
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID

Also of Interest

Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID

Merck and the Merck Manuals

Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. From developing new therapies that treat and prevent disease to helping people in need, we are committed to improving health and well-being around the world.  The Merck Manual was first published in 1899 as a service to the community.  The legacy of this great resource continues as the Merck Manual in the US and Canada and the MSD Manual outside of North America.  Learn more about our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge.

This icon serves as a link to download the eSSENTIAL Accessibility assistive technology app for individuals with physical disabilities. It is featured as part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion. M
View Privacy Shield Verification Status
View APEC CBPR Privacy Certification Status

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:  
verify here.

© 2021 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
TOP