Radiology of the Head

Question 1

advantages of CT scan

Answer 1

fast
good for most trauma and ER
indications - blood and fractures seen well
availability

Question 2

disadvantages of CT scan

Answer 2

radiation
normal brain = low contract
IV contrast

Question 3

advantages of MRI

Answer 3

better detail
no radiation
better disease characterization

Question 4

disadvantages of MRI

Answer 4

bones not seen well
long time to get image
costly
fractures less conspicuous

Question 5

what should you be most worried about?

Answer 5

epidural hematoma

Question 6

epidural hematoma

Answer 6

arterial

almost always cranial fracture

Question 7

subdural hematoma

Answer 7

venous

Question 8

worst headache ever?

Answer 8

subarachnoid hematoma

Question 9

what test to order first

Answer 9

non-contrast head CT**

only contrast - if you suspect breakdown of blood brain barrier