Neurology · MU Sofia

28. Neuroimaging

Covers the main imaging methods used to visualise the brain, spinal cord and cerebral vessels in neurology, taking CT, MRI, MR and CT angiography, digital subtraction angiography, and PET and SPECT functional imaging in turn. For each it gives the principle, advantages, indications and best uses. It also includes a table of preferred imaging for conditions such as haemorrhage, stroke, multiple sclerosis, tumours and aneurysm, and a side-by-side CT versus MRI comparison table.

Inside: 1 section · 3 tables · 15 flashcards · 2 min

Topic 28 of 88 in the MU Sofia syllabus for Neurology (Medicine, Year 4). The free AceMed note covers it in 1 section, about 176 words (2 min of reading), with 15 flashcards.

In this note

  1. Nueroimaging

Nueroimaging

Definition: Neuroimaging includes imaging methods used to visualize the brain, spinal cord, and cerebral vessels for diagnosis of neurological diseases.

1. Computed Tomography (CT)

Principle: Uses X-rays to produce cross-sectional images.

Advantages: Fast. Widely available. First-line in emergencies

Main Indications: Acute stroke. Intracranial hemorrhage. Head trauma. Hydrocephalus. Brain tumors

Best For:Blood. Bone. Acute trauma

2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Principle: Uses a strong magnetic field and radiofrequency waves.

Advantages: Excellent soft tissue detail. No ionizing radiation

Main Indications: Brain and spinal cord lesions. Multiple sclerosis. Tumors. Ischemic stroke. Degenerative diseases

Best For: Brain tissue. Posterior fossa. Spinal cord. Demyelination

3. Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)

Purpose: Visualizes cerebral and cervical blood vessels.

Uses: Aneurysms. Stenosis. Vascular malformations

4. CT Angiography (CTA)

Uses: Evaluation of cerebral arteries. Aneurysms. Large-vessel occlusion. Stroke assessment

5. Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA)

Gold Standard for: Cerebral vascular imaging

Uses: Aneurysms. Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Endovascular procedures

6. Functional Imaging

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

  • Evaluates: Brain metabolism. Dementia. Epilepsy. Brain tumors

Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)

  • Evaluates: Cerebral perfusion.

Clinical Applications

CT vs MRI

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