Cat scan

[Cath278]

Hi.Can a Cat scan detect a TIA or a small bleed? Also , can it tell if the  intracranial presure is high? thank you, Cath278

[Cath278]

Dear Dr.Rajgopal, Thank you for answering my post so quickly.Also, for the easy to understand explanation. It explained a few things for me.
If you get the time , could you please look at an earlier post of mine titled" TIA or intracranial pressure". I think I may be in trouble and need to get as much information as I can before Friday. I do understand that it is very complicated but I would very much appreciate your input. Yours gratefully, Cath278

[Dr Rajgopal]

Hi,
The diagnosis of TIA is most often made by history, since the neurologic deficits are  mostly  resolved before the patient presents for treatment .The history will identify the causes of stroke eg . high blood pressure , high cholesterol ,diabetes , family history or smoking . A CT scan can detect bleeding in the brain but not a TIA . Strokes do not appear right away on a CT scan. Intracranial pressure is measured by a spinal tap ( lumbar puncture ) .After observing symptoms of increased intracranial pressure , spinal tap and CT scan are done . While spinal tap measures the pressure , the cause can be detected from a CT scan . Hope this helps you . Take care and regards !