CT Scan Brain: Purpose, Results & Cost [2025]
CT Scan brain is a study of the brain and head using computed tomography. CT scan stands for computed tomography. Tomography is a process of generating 2D images of organs in 3 dimensions. It is used to get a detailed image of the inner structure of the brain.
CT Scan brain cost ranges from Rs 1200 to 2500. The procedure is non-invasive and is beneficial in finding any abnormalities related to the brain.
Test details in brief
| Also Known As | CT Head, CT Brain, CECT Head, CT Scan cranial, NCCT Head |
| Purpose | Stroke, Tumors, Injury, haemorrhage of the brain |
| Preparation | No special preparation is required. 4-6 Hours fasting required for CECT Brain |
| Fasting | No |
| Machine Used | CT Scanner (Preferably minimum 8 slices) |
| Reporting Time | 8 to 24 Hrs. |
| Cost | Rs. 1000 to Rs. 3000 |
CT Scan Brain Cost in India
CT Scan brain cost in India ranges from Rs 1200 to Rs 2500 in India. The actual cost will depend on the diagnostic center, city, type of machine (number of slices) and use of the contrast material in the study.
Bookmerilab partners with more than 75 CT Scan centers in India. We assist in online booking and provide up to 50% discount on CT scan brain.
| City | Test Price |
|---|---|
| Delhi | Rs 1200 to Rs 3000 |
| Gurgaon | Rs 1350 to Rs 3000 |
| Mumbai | Rs 1350 to Rs 3000 |
| Hyderabad | Rs 1000 to Rs 2000 |
| Bangalore | Rs 1300 to Rs 2500 |
| Chennai | Rs 1350 to Rs 2500 |
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Purpose of CT scan brain
Computed Tomography (CT) uses a special X-ray machine that helps to diagnose or look for any abnormalities in the brain. It is used by doctors to examine the inner part of the head.
The scan is used by the doctors to diagnose a disease, for guiding medical procedures and monitor the undergoing treatment.
If there is any head injury or a person suffers from severe headache, dizziness, seizures, vision loss, hearing loss, difficulty in speaking, difficulty in swallowing, sudden change in behaviour, fainting or any other symptoms then your healthcare provider might ask you to get CT scan of the head.
The CT scan brain is used to diagnose the following conditions-
- Any abnormalities in the skull
- Abnormalities in the blood vessels
- Stroke
- Any birth defects
- Atrophy of brain tissue
- Injuries in the head or face
- Tumors
- Certain infection
- Hydrocephalus
- Brain hemorrhage
- Brain aneurysm
It is also used by the doctors to decide the line of treatment and it also helps to guide other surgical procedures and radiation therapies.
CECT Brain/ Head
CECT brain is a contrast-enhanced CT scan of the brain. The procedure involves an injection of contrast material (dye) which helps in providing clearer images. This is helpful in the diagnosis of certain diseases and your doctor may recommend this depending on your clinical diagnosis.
Why is CECT test done?
CECT brain test is done for diagnosis of the following-
- To detect skull fracture due to trauma
- Detection of internal bleeding in the head
- To check any blockage of blood flow
- To detect hydrocephalus
- To check any inflammation
- Presence of tumors
Preparation
- Wear loose clothes when leaving for the scan.
- Remove all the metals from the body as it affects the CT results.
- If you are wearing a hearing aid or there is a dental work that is made of metal. You might be asked to remove it.
- If there is a use of contrast material, you might be asked not to eat or drink anything few hours before the test.
- Inform the radiologist about any allergic reaction or use of any medicines.
- People who are diabetic must have light meal at-least 3 hours before the scan.
Procedure of CT scan Brain
CT scans are like X-rays. The images received in the CT scan is a result of absorption of X-rays in different amounts by different parts of the body.
CT scan of a brain uses X-ray beams and there is an electronic X-ray detector that rotates around the head. A specific program in the computer creates a two-dimensional cross-sectional image of the head. There are multiple images obtained in a single rotation of the detector.
While obtaining the image you are required to hold your breath for a while to prevent any error in the scan. CT scan of the head takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
Side effects of CT scan
Though a CT scan is a safe and non-invasive procedure, there may be a few side effects due to the use of X-ray in the scan.
Excessive exposure to the CT scan might make you vulnerable to cancer. The amount of radiation used in the CT scan varies hence a person can ask for less dose of radiation. Thus, one should not take repeated scans without the advice of their doctors.
At times the noise from the CT scan can cause anxiety in the patients. Such patients are administered with sedatives before getting the scan done.
The contrast dye used can cause allergic reactions.
CT Scan brain Result
A radiologist examines the scan for any abnormalities in the brain. The CT scan gives a detailed report of all the normal and abnormal findings in the brain.
The CT brain result sometimes provides a definitive diagnosis and at times it shows the abnormal conditions inside the brain such as abnormal growth, any lesions or tumours.
Depending upon the result the doctor recommends a further treatment plan.
CT Scan brain Normal Vs Abnormal results
The radiologist confirms the CT scan is normal if there are no tumours, blood clots, lesions, fractures or other abnormal findings.
Abnormal CT brain reflects abnormalities in the brain. It might reflect any bleeding in the brain, the abnormal symmetry of the brain or any fracture in the skull. The most commonly found abnormalities are brain haemorrhage, stroke, inflammation and internal bleeding.
CT Scan brain normal report
A normal report usually mention the following findings from the scan.
- The ventricles are normal in size.
- There is a clear distinction between white and grey area.
- Midline is straight.
- Symmetrical sulci on both sides.
- Skull is intact with no edema.
Difference between CT Scan brain and MRI brain
These two tests are similar in many aspects. Both the tests present cross-sectional pictures of the body. For the brain scan, CT is recommended in emergency situations such as trauma and stroke.
MRI brain represents a detailed picture of the brain. It is commonly used to diagnose cancer, neurological diseases, etc. You can watch the video for more details
CT Scan vs MRI Scan Video
CT Scan Brain Sample Report
Below is a sample report of CT scan brain (Provided by City Imaging Delhi) also known as NCCT head.
Dr Bhumika Rana
Dr Bhumika Rana is a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery (B.A.M.S.). Earlier She was an Operation Specialist at AIIMS Delhi & a Medical officer with the National health mission.