A Prospective Study on Computed Tomography Scans of Brain among Children

Abstract

Background: Computed tomography (CT) scans forms the advanced imaging technique which has a high diagnosed yield. The anatomical details of the structure viewed are given in great detail. These properties made them the most used advanced imaging procedure Methods: In total, thirty-five children of age less than twelve years and greater than two year of age requiring CT scan of the brain comprised the study group. The children with nil paternal consent and contraindications of CT scan such as had taken a CT within one year and precancerous conditions were excluded from the study. Chloral hydrate and diazepam was used for sedation during the procedure Results: Among the 35 patients studied, five patients had abnormal CT scans. Seven (20%) patients didn't respond to chloral hydrate and was given diazepam for sedation. Mass lesion was found in three patients (8.57%). Discussion: The diagnostic yield of epilepsy syndromes is increased when there is suspected localizing signs in physical examination. Altered intra-cranial pressure was associated with the CT finding like radioopacity in the sub-arachnoid space, basal cistern morphological changes, extra-axial mass lesion. Conclusion: Emergency CT brain scans done are more when compared to elective CT scans. One fifth of the patients didn't respond to oral chloral hydrate sedation.