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How Many Images Are Taken In A Single Head CT Scan?

Posted on Tue, 26 Jul 2016

Question: Hi doctor, what is the effective dose of radiation for a head CT scan?. How much images are taken in a single head CT scan?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Radiation exposure occurs with CT head

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
One CT scan head leads to exposure of 2 msv (milisievert) equivalent to 8 months of naturally occurring radiation exposure.
The number of slice depends upon CT machines and acquisitions protocol.
16 slice and 64 slice are most commonly available.
Routinely 16 slice CT is used for head imaging.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (58 minutes later)

thanks sir. 2 msv is for 16 slice or 64 slice?.. what is the radiation amount for one slice?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Exposure is organ and slice related

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
The radiation exposure is quoted variable and may vary from 0.9 to 2 msv.
The radiation exposure in 64 slice is about 25% more than in 16 slice CT.
Per slice estimation is not done as imaging is done for whole organ.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (1 hour later)

thanks again doctor, this CT scan is harmful to health?. 16 slice head scan was done for me. so that I want to know the amount of radiation.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Nothing serious

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Excessive radiation is harmful to health, but a single CT exposure may not be of much concern.
Be relaxed.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar