CT scanning in head injury: practical applications and pitfalls

Computed tomography has replaced the invasive techniques of angiography and ventriculography as the diagnostic study of choice in head injury. It has proven not only accurate but extremely safe. Problems still exist with diagnosis, however. Respresentative examples of common lesions seen in trauma are presented along with the errors in diagnosis most frequently made and how to avoid them. The common artifacts, including movement, are also discussed.