Ultrasound could replace CT scans for some procedures, expert saysRSS Feed

CT scans, which are used to diagnose brain injury as well as other head and neck problems, may not offer any extra benefits to ultrasound in some cases, research has indicated.

Scientists at Tel Aviv University compared the efficiency of CT scans with ultrasound scans for locating vertebral arteries in the throat.

There was found to be no advantage to using expensive CT scans for the majority of the procedures, according to the study published in journal European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology.

Research leader Dr Michael Vaiman said: "I would especially recommend ultrasound when children are investigated. There are some tumors that do require CT or MRI investigation, but these cases are rare. When in doubt, and high-resolution imaging is necessary, I would suggest a low-radiating MRI."

This comes after investigators at Children's Hospital Boston and the University of California Davis revealed that children are often given unnecessary CT scans.

A period of observation to identify any brain injury was recommended by the researchers, which would decrease the number of children being exposed to unnecessary radiation from the scans.

Serious Law, award winning brain injury law firm

Posted by Matthew Heap
 

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