Imaging the Brain Flashcards
Why should we use non-invasive brain imaging?
It preserves anatomy, structure and functions of the brain
Increases risk of morbidity, mortality, infection, trauma otherwise
Of all the imaging techniques used to visualise the brain, which is the least invasive?
Ultrasounds
What population of patients are Ultrasounds used for in brain imaging?
Mainly used for newborns / babies, can be used to visualise fontanelles
What conditions can be confirmed using an Ultrasound in babies / newborn?
Meningitis
Hydrocephalus
Haemorrhaging
X-rays are best used to visualise what structures?
Bones
What are the clinical uses for X-Rays in brain imaging?
Skull fractures
Surgery
Haemorrhaging
CT in brain imaging visualises what best?
Images structures associated with the brain i.e. skull, bone fractures but not the brain itself
What are the Pros of using CT scans?
- Quick process
- Little preparation
- Cheap
- Good for hard tissue i.e. bone
- Minimally invasive
What are the Cons of using CT scans?
- Poor for soft tissue
- Uses ionising radiation
MRI in brain imaging visualises what best?
Soft tissues of the brain
What are the Pros of using MRI scans?
- Quick process
- Little preparation
- Variety of contrast regimes
What are the Cons of using MRI scans?
- Expensive
- Poor sensitivity (overdiagnosis)
- Long time process
What technique can be used to visualise blood flow in the brain?
MRI Angiography
What are the clinical uses of an MRI angiography?
- Atherosclerosis
- Stenosis
- Aneurysms
- AVMs
- Guiding stent placement
What do CTs and MRIs use to produce their imagines?
CTs: X-Rays
MRI: Magnets
