CT Scan and Radiology

Brain CT Scan

Fast & Reliable Reports You Can Trust
Accurate Reports Delivered On Time
Advanced Imaging Technology for Clear Diagnosis
Expert Radiologists Reviewing Every Scan

Price Starts From | No Hidden Charges

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₹3,500/*

*Prices may vary by city and chosen centre. Inclusive of radiologist report. Contrast scans priced separately. No hidden charges.

Fast & Reliable Reports You Can Trust
Accurate Reports Delivered On Time
Advanced Imaging Technology for Clear Diagnosis
Expert Radiologists Reviewing Every Scan

Brain CT Scan — About the Test

A Brain CT Scan (Computed Tomography of the Brain) is a rapid, cross-sectional imaging investigation that produces detailed images of the brain, skull, and intracranial structures using X-rays. Unlike a standard X-ray, CT generates thin-slice images from multiple angles — reconstructed into a complete three-dimensional picture of the brain. A Brain CT is the fastest and most widely available imaging tool for brain emergencies — including stroke, intracranial haemorrhage, and head trauma. It can be completed in under 5 minutes for the scan itself, making it essential in time-critical situations. Two types of Brain CT: * Plain (NCCT) Brain CT: No contrast injection required — the standard scan for most emergencies, including stroke, bleeding, and head injury. * Contrast (CECT) Brain CT: A contrast dye is injected intravenously before scanning — used for tumour detection, infection (abscess), and blood vessel abnormalities. Requires 4 hours fasting and a kidney function check (creatinine) before contrast administration. CT vs MRI: CT is faster and better for acute bleeding and bone injury. MRI provides better soft tissue and white matter detail — used for stroke characterisation, tumour staging, and when CT findings are inconclusive.

What Happens During a Brain CT Scan? (5–10 Minutes)

Key benefits of this package include:

Step 1 — Before the scan: Remove all metal — jewellery, hearing aids, glasses, hairpins. No gown change is usually required. For contrast CT, inform the team of any kidney disease, diabetes (metformin use), allergies, or prior contrast reactions.
Step 2 — Positioning: Lie on the CT table on your back. A head rest aligns your head within the scanner ring (gantry). Neck and head are kept still — head movement degrades image quality.
Step 3 — The scan: The CT table slides into the scanner ring. The X-ray tube and detectors rotate around your head taking hundreds of images in seconds. The room buzzes and clicks during the scan. You will be asked to remain completely still. No claustrophobia for most patients — the scanner is open at both ends and the head enters only briefly.
Step 4 — Contrast injection (if applicable): A contrast agent is injected through an IV line in the arm before or during scanning. You may feel a brief warm flush through the body — this is normal and temporary.
Step 5 — Done: The scan itself takes under 5 minutes. Total time in the department is 20–30 minutes. Radiologist report ready within 4 hours.

What a Brain CT Scan Can Detect

Acute Emergencies (Plain CT)

Ischaemic stroke — loss of normal brain density in a vascular territory

Haemorrhagic stroke — intracerebral haemorrhage (hyperdense blood)

Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) — blood in the spaces around the brain (thunderclap headache)

Subdural haematoma — blood between brain and dura, typically from falls

Extradural haematoma — blood between skull and dura, from arterial tear after head trauma

Cerebral contusion — brain bruising from trauma

Skull fracture — including depressed fractures and base of skull fractures

Brain Tumours and Masses

Primary brain tumours — glioma, meningioma, pituitary adenoma

Brain metastases — secondary tumours from lung, breast, or other primary cancers

Brain abscess — ring-enhancing lesion on contrast CT

Lymphoma — in immunocompromised patients

Other Neurological Conditions

Cerebral oedema — brain swelling from any cause

Hydrocephalus — enlarged ventricles from CSF obstruction or overproduction

Cerebral atrophy — generalised brain volume loss (dementia workup)

Calcifications — physiological or pathological calcium deposits

Midline shift — displacement of brain structures from a mass or oedema

Sinusitis — incidental finding of air-sinus disease

FAQs

Brain CT detects stroke, intracranial bleeding, head injuries, tumours, hydrocephalus, and brain abnormalities. It is the fastest imaging test for brain emergencies and is available 24/7 at Medall's CT centres.

For a plain (non-contrast) CT — no preparation is needed. For contrast CT — 4 hours fasting is required, and a recent creatinine test is needed to confirm kidney function before contrast injection.

CT uses X-ray radiation. For clinically indicated scans, the benefit of diagnosis significantly outweighs the small radiation risk. Inform the team if you are pregnant — CT is avoided in pregnancy unless essential.

CT is faster, more available, and superior for detecting acute bleeding and skull fractures. MRI provides better soft tissue contrast, better stroke characterisation, and superior imaging of posterior fossa structures and white matter. Many conditions require both. Your doctor will specify which is appropriate.

The scan itself takes under 5 minutes. Total time in the department is approximately 20–30 minutes. Report ready within 4 hours.

For a plain CT — yes, eat normally. For contrast CT — fast for 4 hours. Your booking team will advise.

Book at medall.in, via the Medall app, by calling +91 7550 177 777, or on WhatsApp.

Explore other scans and imaging services — book online or request a call back.

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