Brain CT Scan

A Brain CT scan is a non-invasive imaging examination that uses X-rays to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the brain, skull and surrounding structures.

CT imaging is fast and is commonly used when rapid assessment of the brain or head is required, including following head trauma or when bleeding or stroke is suspected.

Your doctor may recommend a Brain CT scan to investigate neurological symptoms, assess a head injury, further investigate an abnormality identified on another examination, or monitor a known condition.

Brain CT may be requested for symptoms or clinical concerns such as sudden severe headache, head trauma, suspected bleeding, stroke symptoms, confusion or changes in neurological function.

The reason for your referral helps determine the most appropriate CT protocol for your examination.

A Brain CT scan can detect and assess a range of abnormalities affecting the brain, skull and surrounding structures, including:

• Bleeding within or around the brain
• Signs of certain types of stroke
• Skull fractures and head injuries
• Brain masses and some tumours
• Hydrocephalus
• Brain swelling
• Certain infections or inflammatory changes
• Calcification and other structural abnormalities

What can be assessed depends on the CT technique used. Some conditions may require IV contrast, CT angiography, Brain MRI or another specialised examination for further assessment.

Most Brain CT scans require little or no special preparation. Preparation depends mainly on whether intravenous (IV) contrast is required.

Food & drinks: If your Brain CT does not require IV contrast, you can usually eat and drink normally. At MBR Health, if IV contrast is planned, you will be asked not to eat for 2 hours before your appointment. You can continue to drink water unless advised otherwise.

Medications: Most patients can continue taking their usual medications unless their doctor or the MBR Health team provides different instructions.

IV contrast: Before receiving IV contrast, let our team know if you have reduced kidney function, reduced thyroid function or have previously experienced a reaction to iodinated contrast.

Pregnancy: Please tell our team before your examination if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

Clothing & belongings: Wear comfortable clothing where possible. You may be asked to remove glasses, hearing aids, jewellery, hair clips or other items around your head and neck that could interfere with the CT images.

If you are unsure whether your Brain CT requires contrast or any specific preparation, contact MBR Health before your appointment.

During a Brain CT scan, you will lie on a scanning table with your head positioned comfortably to help you remain still. The table moves through the CT scanner while images of your brain and head are acquired.

The scan itself is very quick, with image acquisition often taking only seconds. You will need to keep your head still while the images are being taken to help reduce movement and produce clear images.

If IV contrast is required, a small cannula will be placed into a vein before the scan. You may briefly experience a warm sensation or metallic taste when the contrast is administered.

A CT scanner is relatively open compared with an MRI scanner, and you are not enclosed within a long tunnel during the examination.

Yes. A Brain CT scan can detect some brain tumours and other intracranial masses, particularly when they cause changes in surrounding structures, brain swelling or abnormal contrast enhancement.

However, Brain MRI generally provides greater soft-tissue detail and is often preferred for more detailed assessment and characterisation of suspected brain tumours. If an abnormality is identified on CT, an MRI Brain scan may be recommended for further evaluation.

A Brain CT is generally preferred when rapid imaging is required, particularly in emergency situations. CT can acquire images of the brain within seconds and is especially useful for quickly assessing head trauma, skull fractures and acute bleeding within or around the brain. It is also commonly one of the first imaging tests performed when a stroke is suspected.

A Brain MRI takes longer to perform but provides greater soft-tissue detail. It is often preferred for more detailed assessment of brain tissue, neurological abnormalities and conditions where the additional soft-tissue information provided by MRI is important.

CT and MRI therefore have different strengths. Brain CT is particularly valuable when speed is critical, while Brain MRI is often used when more detailed characterisation of the brain is required.

Brain CT scans at MBR Health are typically reviewed and reported by a radiologist within 2–3 business days, with clinically urgent examinations always prioritised.

If your results are required sooner, a Fast Track reporting option may be available for patients requiring their report within 24 hours. Check with our friendly reception team to see if this option is available to you.

Once your report is released, it is sent to your referring practitioner and is also available through the MBR Health patient portal at the same time, with no additional delay for patient access.

Most standard diagnostic Brain CT scans, including Spectral technology at MBR Health are bulk billed for eligible Medicare cardholders with a valid referral. This means eligible patients will generally have no out-of-pocket cost for their Brain CT scan.

Contact MBR Health before booking if you would like us to confirm your Medicare eligibility and any out-of-pocket cost for your specific brain CT scan.

No. Brain CT scans at MBR Health are available on both an appointment and walk-in basis.

You are welcome to attend with a valid referral without making an appointment. However, booking ahead can help minimise waiting time and allows our team to review any preparation requirements before your examination.

To book in advance, you can book online by uploading your referral or contact MBR Health on 07 5619 9499.

Yes. You will generally need a valid referral from a healthcare practitioner for a Brain CT scan at MBR Health.

Your referral provides important clinical information that helps our radiologists determine the appropriate CT protocol for your examination. A valid referral is also required for your scan to be eligible for a Medicare rebate or bulk billing where applicable.

If you already have a referral addressed to another radiology provider, you can still choose to have your Brain CT scan performed at MBR Health.

A conventional Brain CT produces detailed anatomical images of the brain, skull and surrounding structures. Spectral CT produces these conventional CT images while also capturing additional information about how different tissues and materials interact with X-rays at different energy levels.

This additional Spectral data can provide further information about tissue and material composition and may help radiologists characterise certain findings identified on the scan.

At MBR Health, Spectral technology is always on for every CT examination. This means your Brain CT includes both conventional CT imaging and additional Spectral data from the same examination, without requiring a separate Spectral scan.