CT Scan Evaluation of Patients Presenting with Headache and Weakness

Résumé

Introduction: Headache and neurological weakness are common symptoms that often indicate underlying serious conditions, necessitating accurate and timely diagnosis. This study aims to evaluate the CT scan findings in patients presenting with headache and weakness at M.A Rashid Hospital, Jamalpur, Bangladesh. Methods & Materials: This observational study was conducted from June 15th, 2024, to July 15th, 2024, involving 30 patients who underwent CT scans of the head. Data were collected using a structured proforma and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Patients were grouped based on gender, and the analysis included both continuous and categorical data. Results: The mean age of the patients was 48 years, with a male predominance (63.3%). Hypertension was present in 20.0% of the patients, and 3.3% had a history of diabetes or trauma. Headache (70.0%) and weakness (53.3%) were the most common symptoms. CT scans revealed normal findings in 20.0% of the cases. Significant findings included acute infarcts, intracerebral hemorrhages, subdural hematomas, and sinusitis. Lacunar infarcts at the thalamus and basal ganglia, combined with cerebral atrophy and chronic microvascular ischaemia, were observed in 3.3% of patients. Conclusion: The study highlights the critical role of CT imaging in diagnosing a range of intracranial abnormalities in patients with headache and weakness. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive clinical evaluations and judicious use of CT scans to ensure timely and accurate diagnosis, ultimately improving patient management and outcomes in secondary care hospitals in Bangladesh.