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In the past, doctors could only use a simple X-ray image to assess head injuries - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 5
Question 3
In the past, doctors could only use a simple X-ray image to assess head injuries. A CT scan is now a preferred technique. Discuss why the CT scan has replaced the s... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In the past, doctors could only use a simple X-ray image to assess head injuries - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 5
Step 1
describe the basic principles of a CT scanner
Answer
A CT scanner operates by having the patient lie on a table that slides into the machine. The X-ray tube is positioned in a ring, and as it rotates around the patient, it sends out narrow beams of X-rays from different angles. Detectors positioned opposite the X-ray tube pick up the X-rays that pass through the body. The information gathered from the detectors is then processed to create detailed cross-sectional images of the brain and skull, allowing for better assessment of head injuries.
Step 2
discuss the advantage of the CT scan over a simple X-ray image for head injuries
Answer
CT scans are advantageous for assessing head injuries because they provide a much clearer and more detailed image of the brain and skull compared to simple X-rays. Unlike X-rays, which only show shadow-like outlines of bones, CT scans can identify internal bleeding, fractures, and brain tissue damage. This capability allows for more accurate diagnoses and timely medical interventions, such as detecting any life-threatening conditions that a standard X-ray might miss.
Step 3
explain why a simple X-ray procedure is more suitable for assessing other injuries
Answer
Simple X-rays are quicker and easier to perform, and they are more cost-effective for assessing certain conditions, such as fractures in bone structure unrelated to cranial injuries. For non-complex injuries, a simple X-ray can provide sufficient detail without the need for the time and elaborate setup associated with a CT scan. Additionally, X-rays expose patients to lower levels of radiation, making them a safer alternative for routine assessments.