Diagnostic value of CT scan in paediatric neurological disorders

Computerised tomography [CT] is now an established and widely available neuroimaging technique. Data regarding 80 children undergoing CT scan at the Nishtar Hospital, Multan were analyzed. Indications for ordering a CT scan included complicated cases of meningitis, seizure disorders, developmental delay, cerebro-vascular lesions and children with suspected space occupying lesions [SOL]. CT scan provided significant help in diagnosis or management in 100% cases of acute hemiparesis and suspected SOL and in 80% cases of complicated meningitis. Diagnostic help was provided by CT in 66% of children with seizures and in 40% with developmental delay. However, in only a very small percentage of children with these disorders, scan findings helped in deciding the course of management. CT scan has been a very significant advance in cranial imaging, however, physicians need to carefully consider relevant clinical findings in children with neurological disorders before considering them a candidate for this costly investigation