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CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography)Read the CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) article » What is a CT scan?A computerized axial tomography scan is an x-ray procedure that combines many x-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional views and, if needed, three-dimensional images of the internal organs and structures of the body. Computerized axial tomography is more commonly known by its abbreviated names, CT scan or CAT scan. A CT scan is used to define normal and abnormal structures in the body and/or assist in procedures by helping to accurately guide the placement of instruments or treatments. A large donut-shaped x-ray machine takes x-ray images at many different angles around the body. These images are processed by a computer to produce cross-sectional pictures of the body. In each of these pictures the body is seen as an x-ray "slice" of the body, which is recorded on a film. This recorded image is called a tomogram. "Computerized Axial Tomography" refers to the recorded tomogram "sections" at different levels of the body. Imagine the body as a loaf of bread and you are looking at one end of the loaf. As you remove each slice of bread, you can see the entire surface of that slice from the crust to the center. The body is seen on CT scan slices in a similar fashion from the skin to the central part of the body being examined. When these levels are further "added" together, a three-dimensional picture of an organ or abnormal body structure can be obtained. Why are CT scans performed?CT scans are performed to analyze the internal structures of various parts of the body. This includes the head, where traumatic injuries, (such as blood clots or skull fractures), tumors, and infections can be identified. In the spine, the bony structure of the vertebrae can be accurately defined, as can the anatomy of the intervertebral discs and spinal cord. In fact, CT scan methods can be used to accurately measure the density of bone in evaluating osteoporosis. Occ... Recommended Reading Related to CT Scan (Computerized Tomography)Allergies: Allergies to MedicationsMany drugs can cause adverse side effects, and certain medicines can trigger allergic reactions. In an allergic reaction, the immune system mistakenly responds to a drug by creating an immune response against it. The immune system recognizes the drug as a foreign substance and the body produces certain chemicals, such as large amounts of histamine in an attempt to expel the drug from the body. What Are the Symptoms of Drug Allergy?Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening. Even in people who aren't allergic, many drugs can cause irritation, such as an upset stomach. But during an allergic reaction, the release of histamine can cause symptoms like hives, skin rash, itchy skin or eyes, congestion, and swelling in the mouth and throat. A more severe reaction may include difficulty breathing, blueness of the skin, dizziness, fainting, anxiety, confusion, rapid pulse,... Other Related CAT Scan ArticlesEmergency Contact for Missouri City
Nearby Missouri City Hospitals * Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital  Riveroaks Medical Center Sharpstown Campus  Triumph Hospital Southwest  Methodist Sugar Land Hospital  West Oaks Hospital  Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital  Cornerstone Hospital of Houston at Bellaire  Healthbridge Children's Hospital of Houston  West Houston Medical Center  IntraCare Medical Center Hospital  Texas Orthopedic Hospital  University General Hospital  The Woman's Hospital of Texas  Harris County Hospital District  Shriners Hospitals for Children  St Luke's Episcopal Hospital  Texas Children's Hospital  The Methodist Hospital  University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center  Kindred Hospital Houston  Memorial Herman The Institute for Rehabilitation & Research  Select Specialty Hospital Houston Medical Center  Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center  Ben Taub General Hospital  Memorial Hermann Hospital  Park Plaza Hospital and Medical Center  Plaza Specialty Hospital  University of Texas Harris County Psychiatric Center  Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hospital  Twelve Oaks Medical Center River Oaks Campus  Harris Quentin Mease Community Hospital  Select Specialty Hospital Houston West  Triumph Hospital Town & Country  HEALTHSOUTH Hospital for Specialized Surgery  Triumph Hospital Houston Central  Riverside General Hospital  Spring Branch Medical Center  St Joseph Medical Center  Texas Specialty Hospital  Dubuis Hospital of Houston  OakBend Medical Center  Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital  Select Specialty Hospital Houston Heights  CHRISTUS St Catherine Hospital  Doctors Hospital of Tidwell  Doctors Hospital Parkway  Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital  Lyndon B Johnson General Hospital  Triumph Hospital North Houston  Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital  Kindred Hospital Bay Area  Bayshore Medical Center  Renaissance Hospital Houston  Vista Medical Center Hospital of America  Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital  North Cypress Medical Center  Kindred Hospital Northwest  East Houston Regional Medical Center  Cornerstone Hospital of Houston at Clearlake  Clear Lake Regional Medical Center  Clear Lake Rehabilitation Hospital  Triumph Hospital Clear Lake  Methodist Willowbrook Hospital  Triumph Hospital East Houston  CHRISTUS St John Hospital  Houston Northwest Medical Center  TOPS Surgical Specialty Hospital  Cypress Creek Hospital  HEALTHSOUTH Hospital of Houston  IntraCare North Hospital  Triumph Hospital Northwest  Angleton Danbury Medical Center  HEALTHSOUTH Humble Rehabilitation Hospital  Memorial Hermann Northeast  Tomball Regional Medical Center Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
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