If you’ve recently been told that you need a neuroradiology exam, you may feel confused and a little scared. Medical terminology can often make simple, non-invasive procedures sound intimidating and even frightening. As you may have guessed from the sound of the name, neuroradiology is a practice that focuses on the nervous system and uses neuroimaging techniques to gain insight and information about a patient’s condition. A neuroradiology exam (sometimes called neuroimaging) is a potentially life-saving assessment that helps physicians determine the cause and diagnosis of abnormalities of the brain, spine, head, and neck.
There are multiple neuroradiology exams that can be done. These exams are painless, efficient and get both you and your doctor the answers you need to maintain your best health. The exams are supervised and interpreted by neuroradiologists: highly skilled physicians trained as key members of the diagnostic and treatment team that help patients with brain, spine, head and neck issues. The exams allow the radiologist to see inside your body in an entirely non-invasive manner so that you can get the answers you need quickly.
Some of the most common neuroradiology exams—ones that you have most likely heard of at some point during your medical journey— use Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). During these tests, a machine is used to take high-resolution pictures of an area inside your body (such as your brain) layer by layer. This allows the physician to see everything they need to in order to make a better diagnosis without having to perform surgery.
The CT is sometimes referred to as a CAT scan. It allows the radiologist to capture multiple wafer-thin images that are used in diagnosis. The CT uses x-ray technology to get the necessary images and is typically used for diagnosing cancer and visualizing bones and organs. Patients do not feel anything during the procedure and typically report feeling comfortable while it is performed.
An MRI is an imaging procedure that uses magnetic resonance. It requires a special piece of equipment that patients are placed inside while a scan is done. Patients don’t typically feel anything while the exam is taking place though they may experience some anxiety especially if they are prone to claustrophobia. MRIs are often used to examine the brain and spine.
Both the CT and the MRI help physicians diagnose a variety of conditions that affect your central nervous system including strokes, tumors, genetic conditions, aneurysms, and Alzheimer’s disease. While you may feel anxious about having a neuroradiology exam, they offer patients the opportunity to get an early diagnosis and treatment plan set up. The earlier treatment is started, the better and hopefully quicker the best results will be obtained so you can return to living your life to its fullest.
Neuroradiology gives patients and their physicians the information they need to determine the best treatments possible, as early as possible. Images from the exams are obtained quickly and comfortably offering peace of mind and a clear path forward.
In addition to supervising and interpreting neuroradiology exams, all of the neuroradiologists at Intermountain Medical Imaging also perform neuroradiology related procedures such as myelograms, lumbar punctures, nerve root blocks, and epidural injections. These types of procedures are performed under imaging guidance which is generally less traumatic to the patient and is less costly to the patient than more invasive surgical options, with quick recovery time.
You have a choice when it comes to choosing your imaging provider. If you need a neuroradiology exam or a neuroradiology related procedure, let our trained sub-specialized neuroradiologists assist you and your healthcare provider in finding the answers you need.
For more information about our sub-specialized neuroradiologists, visit us at https://intermountainm.wpengine.com/team-category/neuroradiology/
