3 Conditions A CT Scan Can Detect

Today, there seems to be an infinite number of methods out there to help detect medical conditions. Many illnesses and ailments can be detected earlier than ever before thanks to new developments in technology. One of the most common methods for photographing inside the body and detecting internal problems is a computed tomography (CT) scan. Keep reading to learn more about the CT scan, along with three conditions that this method is most effective in detecting.

1. Disorders Related to the Head and Brain

Part of what makes CT scans so important is the fact that they provide a three-dimensional image of the brain, rather than just a two-dimensional image of the skull, as is typically produced in an X-ray. This development allows for a more detailed picture, giving doctors more information to help them diagnose patients who come to them with headaches, sinus pain, and other related symptoms. Some head and brain disorders that a CT scan can detect include brain and spinal cord tumors, blood clots, enlarged ventricles, and abnormalities in the nerves and muscles of the eye.

2. Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease can also be detected by using a CT scan. Some research shows that people who are at a higher risk for heart attacks have a higher buildup of calcium in their bodies, something that can be detected with a CT scan. While it is not a perfect imagery technique, CT scans still can point out potentially dangerous conditions in people's bodies that might not have been discovered until symptoms were too severe to treat. 

3. Abdominal Problems

Similar to the way that CT scans provide a more in-depth look at the brain, they also provide an even more detailed look at the abdomen. There is a lot in the abdomen that can go wrong, and it is important to get a clear look at what is happening there. A CT scan can be used to detect conditions in the abdomen like hernias, tumors, kidney stones, and appendicitis. Additionally, doctors can locate the potential causes of fevers, infections, or injuries with the help of CT scans. 

If you are experiencing symptoms and are wondering if a CT scan will help your doctor get to the bottom of their cause, it is likely that it will. They provide much detail for your doctors and allow them to get to the actual cause of your problems so that they don't waste time simply masking symptoms and allowing the problem to get worse. For more information, consider contacting a professional like those at Kinston Medical Specialists PA.