Why You Might Need A CT Scan
CT scans are one of the most common scans ran in hospitals. So, what exactly is a CT scan? A CT scan, short for computerized tomography, uses specific x-rays to make complex images of a patient’s internal structure. The scan can help a doctor to understand what is happening inside a patient’s body and informs further treatment. There are several reasons why a patient would need a CT scan, but here are just a few:
Accidents
Being in a car, boat, or home accident can cause damage that goes beyond what a patient may assume. When a paramedic suggests a CT scan, it is in the patient’s best interest to do it. By using diagnostic imaging, doctors can determine if a patient has a sprained wrist, internal bleeding, or any other injuries that may have been inflicted during the accident.
Chronic Pain
Pain is your body’s way of communicating that there’s an issue that needs to be addressed. What can be extremely frustrating is not knowing not knowing the source of your pain. If you’re experiencing continuous or abdominal pain, you should consider scheduling an appointment with your doctor. A radiologist will give a patient an IV with a chemical similar to iodine. Patients then lay on a table that takes them into a donut-shaped machine that will perform a CT scan. This machine performs X-ray imaging on the body, so your radiologists can see what is going on in your body.
Recovering from Surgery
The transition after a surgical procedure can be challenging for patients. Your doctor would likely utilize a CT scan to observe your body’s healing progress and ensure that you are healing properly.
Discovering Tumors
A CT scan can assist in finding tumors. If a doctor has the notion that you may have a tumor, the knowledge provided by a CT scan could save your life. This simple procedure can help doctors identify the location of the tumor and develop a treatment plan.
These are only a few reasons you may need a CT scan. If you suffer from any of the symptoms listed above immediately contact your physician. For all your imaging needs, Carlsbad Open MRI provides quality images and enhanced patient comfort. You can schedule an appointment online today.