What is the primary purpose of a CT scan regarding brain evaluation?

The primary purpose of a CT scan in evaluating the brain is to analyze radiographic slices of each layer of the brain. This imaging technique utilizes X-ray technology to create detailed cross-sectional images, or slices, of the brain, allowing clinicians to examine its structural integrity. By obtaining these slices, healthcare professionals can detect abnormalities such as tumors, hemorrhages, or structural issues that may be present in the brain.

In contrast, analyzing blood flow in the brain is typically the domain of functional imaging techniques like fMRI or PET scans, which assess metabolic activity rather than structural details. Monitoring electrical activity in the brain is accomplished through EEGs, which measure brain waves and neural firing rather than anatomical structure. Assessing brain connectivity generally involves different imaging modalities or analytical techniques focused on understanding how different regions communicate with each other, which is outside the purview of a CT scan’s structural analysis capabilities.