CT Scan
A CT scan uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body.
When to get help quickly: CT is often urgent in trauma, stroke symptoms, sudden severe headache, chest pain, severe abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, or suspected internal bleeding.
Common symptoms
A CT scan is ordered because of symptoms or findings such as severe pain, injury, breathlessness, fever, swelling, a suspected stroke, or a concern that needs a fast and detailed look inside the body.
When imaging helps
CT helps when doctors need rapid detail in emergencies, want to look for internal injury, infection, cancer, bleeding, blockage, or complications that may not show clearly on a regular X-ray.
What radiology does
It is often used in emergencies, cancer assessment, trauma, infection, abdominal pain, and many other conditions because it is fast and detailed.
What usually happens next
The scan itself does not treat disease, but its findings often shape urgent decisions, follow-up testing, or treatment planning.
Need this done?
See which centers in Lagos offer it.
Related articles
- A CT Scan Explained for PatientsCT scans are fast and detailed, which is why doctors reach for them in emergencies and complex diagnoses. Here is what they do best.
- Should You Worry About Radiation from a CT Scan?It is reasonable to ask about radiation, but the fear of exposure should be weighed against the value of getting the right diagnosis.
- What Multiple CT Scans Mean for Your Radiation ExposureCT radiation does not remain in your body, but repeat examinations add to your lifetime exposure. The reason for each scan still matters most.
Related scan guides
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- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan – General FAQsEverything patients commonly ask about CT scans — what to expect, how long it takes, and whether it's safe.
- PSMA PET/CT ScanA PSMA PET/CT scan maps areas of increased PSMA-targeted tracer uptake to help stage or reassess prostate cancer, while recognizing that uptake is not cancer-specific.