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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 Mount Prospect
Nearby Mount Prospect Hospitals * Northwest Community Hospital  Resurrection Health Care Holy Family Medical Center  Alexian Brothers Medical Center  Alexian Rehabilitation Hospital  Advocate Lutheran General Hospital  Glenbrook Hospital  Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital  Resurrection Health Care Resurrection Medical Center  St Alexius Medical Center  Streamwood Behavioral Health Center  Chicago-Read Mental Health Center  Elmhurst Memorial Hospital  Kindred Hospital Northlake  Adventist GlenOaks Hospital  Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital  RUSH North Shore Medical Center  Highland Park Hospital  Gottlieb Memorial Hospital  Resurrection Health Care Our Lady of Resurrection Medical Center  Shriners Hospital for Children Chicago  Condell Medical Center  Resurrection Health Care Westlake Hospital  Lake Forest Hospital  NorthShore University HealthSystems  Resurrection Health Care Saint Francis Hospital  Kindred Hospital Chicago Central  Swedish Covenant Hospital  RUSH Oak Park Hospital  Loyola University Medical Center  Resurrection Health Care West Suburban Medical Center  Riveredge Hospital  Kindred Hospital Chicago North  Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital  John J Madden Mental Health Center  Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital  CINN Neurologic & Orthopedic Institute of Chicago  Methodist Hospital of Chicago  Kindred Hospital Chicago Lakeshore  Loretto Hospital  Sherman Hospital  Elgin Mental Health Center  Hartgrove Hospital  Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital  Chicago Lakeshore Hospital  Weiss Memorial Hospital  Central DuPage Hospital  Norwegian-American Hospital  Sacred Heart Hospital  Thorek Memorial Hospital  Resurrection Health Care Saint Elizabeth Hospital  RML Specialty Hospital  Adventist Hinsdale Hospital  North Chicago VA Medical Center  MacNeal Hospital  Resurrection Health Care Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital Center  Advocate Bethany Hospital  Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center  Children's Memorial Hospital  Adventist LaGrange Memorial Hospital  Resurrection Health Care Saint Joseph Hospital  Lincoln Park Hospital  Provena Saint Joseph Hospital  John H Stroger Jr Hospital of Cook County  Saint Anthony Hospital  Jesse Brown VA Medical Center  Johnston R Bowman Health Center  Rush University Medical Center  University of Illinois Medical Center  Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital  Mount Sinai Hospital Medical Center  Northwestern Memorial Hospital  Prentice Women's Hospital  Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago  Vista Medical Center West  Mercy Hospital & 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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Rash
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Abdominal Pain
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Kidney Stones
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Kidney Failure
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Pinched Nerve
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Sciatica
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Kidney Infection
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Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis)
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Swollen Lymph Nodes
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Blood Clots
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Hives
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Dizziness
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Lower Back Pain
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Sinus Infection
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Brain Tumor
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Ovarian Cancer
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Liver Cancer
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Pancreatic Cancer
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Stroke
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