This document provides information and guidelines for performing a non-contrast CT or CECT head scan. It describes the indications, contraindications, patient preparation, scanning technique, and aftercare. A CT head scan is a common, non-invasive procedure used to image head injuries, strokes, brain tumors, and other brain conditions. It involves positioning the patient's head in a scanner gantry and acquiring axial images from the vertex to the base of the skull, with and without intravenous contrast administration. The patient is monitored after the procedure for any reaction to contrast media.

1. NCCT OR CECT HEAD
 Introduction
 Indication
 Contraindication
 Contrast media
 Equipment
 Patient Preparation
 Technique
 After care

2. INTRODUCTION
A Computed Tomography of the head is the most common and non-
invasive diagnostic imaging procedure.
CT scan provide more details information of head injuries , stroke
brain tumors and other brain disease.
It has wide ability to answer complex clinical condition.
Because it is quick and relatively available.

3. INDICATIONS
Trauma
 Tumors.
 Congenital abnormalties.
 Intra cranial Infections.
Headache of unknown cause.
 stroke( damage of brain from stop of blood supply)
Mass

4. Cont…..
• Seizures (strong attack of an illness)
• Apnea (breathing stop)
• Syncope (loss of consciousness)
• Ataxia (lack of body balance)
• Encephalitis (inflammation in brain)
Hydrocephalus
 Suspected acute intracranial hemorrhage.
Mental status change.
Neurologic deficits
• (balloon like structure of artery)

5. CONTRAINDICATIONS
Pregnancy
 Kidney failure
 Reaction to contrast media
Patient decline consent

6. CONTRAST MEDIA
Contrast media: nonionic, iodinated contrast media used.
Volume: 40-60ml.
Rate:1ml to 3ml/sec.
Contrast media administration:IV

7. PATIENT PREPARATION
Fasting 4-6 hours.
Identify the patient and explain the procedure to the patient.
An IV line is secured.
 Remove metal or radio-opaque object such as ear rings, metallic headbands etc.
Patient should change into clean hospital gown.
unstable patient may be sedated prior to examination.
Take consent sign .

8. EQUIPMENTS

9. POSITION
Patient lies supine, head first into the gantry the head placed in the head holder
with arm bilaterally downwards
Table height is raised until the (EAM) is at the Centre of gantry.(external auditory
meatus).
 Three alignment lights are used for positioning the patients (axial, sagittal,
coronal).
After the position finish the laser light should be off.
POSITION LANDMARK-2-3 cm above the vertex

10. patient positioning

11. PROTOCOL
Scanogram ( scout) /topogram : Scano from the base of the skull to vertex.
 The slice thickness is 2 mm in adults and 5mm or less in Children.

12. PROTOCOL
 Scan extent: from the vertex to the base of skull .
 Scan direction : cranio-caudal(head to feet)
Scan type :Axial
 Pre contrast series: Axial images are acquired covering from the vertex to the
base.
contrast series: Axial images are acquired covering from the vertex to the base.

14. Intracerebral hemorrhage axial CT brain

15. AFTER CARE
Patient is brought out of the gantry
 Bring the patient down from the scanner table.
 Ask the patient to dress up.
 patient should be observed for possible CM reaction post procedure.
If non is observed , IV cannula should be removed from the patient’s hand gently.
Ensure that the patient is stable before leaving the department.
Inform patient time and where to collect the result.