CT head

Overview

A CT head scan is a special type of X-ray that takes detailed pictures of your skull and brain. It helps doctors see if there is any injury, bleeding, swelling, or other problems inside your head.

CT head scans are very common in hospital emergency departments and radiology clinics across the UK and worldwide.

Anyone can need a CT head scan, but it’s often done for people with head injuries, sudden headaches, confusion, or symptoms of a stroke.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Your doctor may recommend a CT head if you have a head injury with loss of consciousness or vomiting.
• It may be used for new, severe headaches or dizziness.
• It can help check for symptoms like weakness on one side, trouble speaking, or vision changes.

Symptoms in children

• In children, a CT head may be needed after a fall or accident where they hit their head hard.
• Signs in children can include vomiting more than once, unusual sleepiness, or not acting normally.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may need a CT head after a fall, especially if they take blood thinners.
• Sudden confusion, memory loss, or difficulty walking can also prompt the scan.

Causes

Main causes

• A CT head scan is used to find causes of symptoms like head trauma, stroke, bleeding in the brain, or tumours.
• It can also be done for chronic conditions like sinus infections or skull bone problems.

Risk factors

• Risk factors for needing a CT head include being on blood thinning medication, having a bleeding disorder, or a history of head injury.
• Older age and falls increase the chance of hidden brain injury.
• High blood pressure or smoking can raise the risk of stroke, which may require a CT head.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Go to the emergency department immediately if you have a head injury with any loss of consciousness, seizures, or repeated vomiting.
• Also seek urgent care for sudden severe headache, weakness on one side, trouble speaking, or confusion.

Book a routine appointment if:

• See your GP or specialist if you have long‑term headaches, dizziness, or memory problems that are not getting better.
• Your doctor can decide if a CT head is needed as part of your diagnosis.

Diagnosis

A CT head scan is performed by a radiographer (a health professional trained in imaging). You lie on a table that slides into a large donut‑shaped machine. It takes pictures while you stay very still.

Tests that may be done

• CT head scan (non‑contrast or with contrast dye injected into a vein).
• Sometimes a CT angiogram to look at blood vessels in the brain.

What to expect at your appointment

The scan is painless and takes about 5 to 10 minutes. You may hear whirring noises. If contrast is used, you might feel a warm flush or metal taste. Tell the radiographer if you are pregnant, have kidney problems, or allergies.

Treatment

A CT head scan itself is not a treatment – it gives your doctor information to decide the right care. Treatment depends on what the scan finds.

Self-care at home

• After the scan, you can go back to normal activities unless your doctor says otherwise.
• If you had contrast dye, drink extra water to help flush it out (unless told not to).

Medical treatments

If the CT shows a problem, treatments may include medication to reduce swelling, blood thinners or clot busters for stroke, antibiotics for infection, or surgery for bleeding or tumours. Your doctor will discuss the best options with you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be needed for large brain bleeds, some tumours, or severe head injuries with pressure on the brain.

Living with this condition

Learn what your scan result means: most findings are minor (like sinus inflammation) and do not affect daily life. If there is a brain condition, follow your doctor’s advice and attend follow‑up appointments.

Lifestyle tips

• If you have a brain condition, avoid activities that might cause another head injury, such as contact sports or high risks.
• Manage other health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes to lower risks.

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet and be physically active as allowed by your health. If you have a head injury or brain problem, your doctor may recommend rest before returning to strenuous exercise.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Waiting for scan results can be worrying. It is normal to feel anxious. Talk to your doctor or a counsellor if you are distressed. For severe anxiety, ask your GP about support.

Prevention

A CT head scan is usually needed to diagnose a problem. You cannot prevent needing the scan, but you can reduce the risk of head injuries by wearing seatbelts, using helmets, and fall‑proofing your home.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for chronic headache or brain conditions. Your doctor may recommend a CT head only if you have symptoms.

Complications

If left untreated

• If a serious condition (like brain bleed or stroke) is not found and treated, it could lead to permanent brain damage or death.
• Delaying diagnosis can make treatment less effective.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for most people who have a CT head scan is good. If a problem is found, early treatment often leads to a better recovery. Even for serious conditions, modern treatments offer hope and improved quality of life.

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