Evaluation of Spinal Cord and Brain

Question 1

Evaluation of Spinal Cord Injuries/Diseas

Answer 1

• Spinal X-ray: initial diagnostic to ID fractures, dislocations, or other injury to the bones of the spine.
• MRI: evaluation of the soft tissues of the spinal column.
• computer tomography with myelogram: injects dye into the spinal canal to obtain more detailed information about the extent of the injury.
  
  • electromyography (EMG), somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP), or other type of electrodiagnostic monitoring to determine if the injury or disease has impacted the conduction of nerve signals in the spinal cord.

Question 2

Neuroimaging Techniques

structural neuroimaging

Answer 2

evaluation of brain injury and disease is a comprehensive process taht incorporates a thorough history, physical exam, behavioal and neuropsychological assessments, and neuroimaging techniques that provide info on the structure and function of the brain.

1. Computed Tomography (CT) and MRI: are structural neuroimaging techniquies that provide info on the physical structure of the brain.
2. CT or Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT): utilizes X-rays to obtain images of horizontal slices of brain tissue.
   
   1. diagnoses tumors, blood clots, and multiple sclerosis.
3. MRI: cross-sectional images of the brain but does so by using magnetic fields and radio waves (not X-rays)
   
   1. better resolution, no harmful X-rays, more detailed images, images at any angle (not just horizontal), 3-D pictures.
      
      1. more $$$ and may need sedation

Question 3

Neuroimaging Techniques

Functional Neuroimaging Techniques

Answer 3

1. Positron-emission tomography (PET), single proton emission computed tomography (SPECT), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
2. PET: radioactive tracer is taken up by active brain cells.
   
   1. provides info on regional cerebral blood flow, glucose metabolism, and oxygen consumption which correlates with level of neural activity.
   2. used to assess cerebrovascular disease, alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, Schizophrenia, and other disorders.
   3. identify brain areas that are active during the performance of ordinary tasks and the experience of ordinary emotions.
   4. most PET scans are negative in early stages of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative dx.
3. SPECT: similar to PET but lower resolution
4. fMRI: provides info on brain activity (brain oxygenation) and provides imagers that have better temporal and spatial resolution compared to PET/SPECT.