Neuroradiology

Neuroradiologists specialize in the diagnosis of diseases or injuries of the head, neck, spine, central nervous system, and peripheral nervous system. Neuroradiologists have extensive experience in the diagnosis of tumors, stroke, spine disease, and neurodegenerative disease.

Neuroradiology May be Used to

• Detect a blood clot or evaluate the brain after a stroke
• Assess the brain and skull following traumatic injury
• Diagnose and treat brain aneurysms

Common Types of Neuroradiology Exams

Head CT
A CT scanner looks like a large circle on its side. During a Head CT, the patient is positioned on a table, which moves in and out of the circle. Some exams may require contrast, also referred to as dye, which helps make certain structures more clearly visible. If contrast material is required, it is usually given through an IV in the hand or arm. The Head CT exam usually takes no more than 5 – 10 minutes.

Head MRI
An MRI looks like a long circle with a tube in the center. During a Head MRI, the patient is positioned on a table, which moves in and out of the tube. For some exams, an open MRI may be used. An open MRI has a shorter circle and a larger tube in the center, which is more comfortable for larger patients or those who may be claustrophobic. Contrast, which helps make certain structures more clearly visible, may be required for some exams, and is given through an IV in the hand or arm. The entire Head MRI usually takes no more than 30 – 45 minutes.

Developed by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), RadiologyInfo.org provides more information about radiology tests, treatments and patient safety.