Neuroradiology

Neuroradiology is a growing subspecialty of medical imaging focused on diagnosing injuries or conditions in the brain, spine and central nervous system. With the help of today's powerful, versatile imaging modalities, neurologists and neurosurgeons are now better able to identify a broad spectrum of conditions - everything from pinched nerves in the spine to blockages in the brain's tiny blood vessels. Often, accurate interpretation of these tests' results can spot potentially disastrous problems early, which is when treatment can be most effective.

Here are some of the state-of-the-art techniques we use to help physicians provide the best care for your patients:

MR angiography and CT angiography are especially useful in evaluating blockages in the carotid arteries , which supply blood to the brain. While catheter angiography is still the examination of choice for certain cases, new capabilities with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and computed tomographic angiography (CTA) have created excellent alternatives. With CTA and MRA, we're often able to image the arteries and veins without risky invasive procedures. With MRA, contrast agents can be entirely eliminated, or the risk in patients with allergies, diabetes or renal failure can be reduced by the use of the nontoxic agent gadolinium.

MRI of the spine not only is ideal for evaluation of disk syndromes but also helps detect spinal cord tumors, myelopathies and malformations, such as spinal dysraphisms.

MR diffusion differentiates disease processes by evaluating changes in the diffusion properties of tissue water. It is used primarily to identify and evaluate strokes and other causes of brain edema.

Other neurological applications of CT and MRI -CT can be used to locate skull fractures and detect bleeding in the brain after a suspected neurological event such as stroke or aneurysm . MRI is more sensitive in diagnosing and characterizing brain aneurysms , masses and tumors. The remarkable clarity offered by CT and MRI gives our radiologists more accurate information on which doctors can base their treatment plans.