Imaging

Question 1

Describe the uses of x rays in head and neck imaging and give specific advantages and disadvantages. (7)

Answer 1

Used for foreign bodies, cervical spine trauma, skull fractures
A: quick and readily available (less waiting time with a head injury), low radiation dose to the brain.
D: 2D images (can’t see how deep a lesion is), low contrast between soft tissue structures (not good for the brain).

Question 2

Describe the uses of ultrasound scans in head and neck imaging and give specific advantages and disadvantages. (6)

Answer 2

Carotid Doppler, thyroid and superficial soft tissue imaging.
A: no radiation to the head, excellent superficial soft tissue imaging (eg thyroid or lymph nodes)
D: operator dependent (May miss something), no good for structures through bone like the brain.

Question 3

Describe the uses of CT scans in head and neck imaging and give specific advantages and disadvantages. (6)

Answer 3

Any head trauma, brain injury, malignancy, strokes
A: quick and readily available (less waiting time with a head injury), excellent at soft tissue imaging (so can see brain pathology)
D: very high radiation dose to the head.

Question 4

Describe the uses of MRI scans in head and neck imaging and give specific advantages and disadvantages. (5)

Answer 4

Brain imaging
A: excellent soft tissue contrast so can see the difference between types of brain tissue, no radiation of the head.
D: slow and limited availability (long waiting time with a head injury), expensive.

Question 5

List common pathologies seen on head and neck x rays (4)

Answer 5

Fluid within sinuses
Fractures of bones
Dislocations (eg TMJ)
Cervical spine pathology

Question 6

List common pathologies seen on head and neck CT scans or MRIs. (5)

Answer 6

Extradural haemorrhage - lemon
Subdural haemorrhage - banana
Subarachnoid haemorrhage - white spaces in the normally grey brain field often associated with a ruptured aneurysm 
Tumours
Blood clots