A CT scan of the brain and orbits is a quick, noninvasive X‑ray–based imaging test that produces detailed cross‑sectional pictures of the brain, skull, eye sockets and surrounding tissues. It helps detect stroke, bleeding, fractures, tumors, infections, inflammation, orbital disease, and foreign bodies. Intravenous contrast may be used to improve detection; the scan involves low radiation and carries small risks from contrast or exposure.

A CT orbit scan is a specialized computed tomography exam that produces cross-sectional X-ray images of the eye sockets, eye globes, optic nerves and surrounding bones and soft tissues. It helps detect fractures, hemorrhage, infections, tumors, foreign bodies and causes of vision loss or proptosis. The quick, noninvasive test may use intravenous contrast; risks include radiation exposure and rare contrast reactions.

CT orbit scan costs vary widely: in India roughly ₹2,000–₹6,000 at private centers; in the UK it's free on the NHS but private scans cost about £150–£400; in the US out-of-pocket prices range from roughly $300–$3,000 depending on facility, insurance, and contrast use. Always confirm with the imaging center and check insurance coverage.

CT orbit focuses on the eye sockets and adjacent structures—orbital bones, globe, optic nerve, and extraocular muscles—and is optimized with a small field-of-view and thin slices (often with contrast for suspected infection or tumors). CT sinus evaluates the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity—frontal, ethmoid, maxillary, sphenoid—assessing sinusitis, polyps and bony drainage pathways with sinus-specific windows and wider coverage.

Orbits are bony sockets in the skull that hold the eyes, extraocular muscles, nerves, blood vessels and protective fat; they lie just in front of the brain. Above them is the orbitofrontal cortex, a brain area involved in emotion, decision-making, reward and social behaviour. Injury or disease affecting these structures can impair vision, smell, mood and judgment and needs medical evaluation.

CT of the orbits is typically done without contrast for trauma, fractures, foreign bodies, or to assess bony detail. Contrast-enhanced CT is used when evaluating orbital infection, inflammation, tumors, suspected vascular lesions (or for surgical planning). Clinicians choose based on the clinical question; MRI is often preferred for detailed soft-tissue and optic nerve assessment.