Neuro Imaging Flashcards
what is the standard slice orientation for neuro imaging
transaxial or axial where the L is shown as R as if you’re standing at the patient’s feet
what is an xray
short-wavelength EM vibrations that can produce a 2D image
what are x rays used for
bony changes, stenosis, and subluxation of the spine
what are the three advantages of an xray
- inexpensive
- readily available
- quick to obtain
what are the 2 disadvantages of xray
- ionizing radiation
2. nonsensitive with many pathologies missing on plain film
what is CT
commuted tomography is multiple x rays collected by a computer
what are cardinal signs of an abnormal head CT (3)
- abnormal tissue density
- mass effect from edema/hemorrhage/tumor
- ventricular enlargement
what are the two BIGGEST indications for CT
highly sensitive for intracranial hemorrhage and acute head trauma/skull fracture
how does a hemorrhage show up on a CT
white due to Hb
what is another, but lesser indication for a CT
certain brain tumors (meningiomas and gliomas) and cysts
what are the four major advantages of CT
- more accurate visualization than xray
- widely available at low cost
- critical care monitoring devices are allowed
- excellent bone imaging
what are the three major disadvantages of CT
- ionizing radiation
- acute phase head injuries may be negative for diffuse axonal injury and ischemic CVA
- poor resolution and contrast compared to MRI
what can CT not image?
diffuse axonal injury and ischemic CVA, especially during acute phase head injury
how can the CT disadvantages apply to PT
PT can educate family on inconclusivity of a negative CT result
what is the most commonly evaluated element in MRI
hydrogen
what does a T1 weighted MRI tell you
anatomic detail typically used to identify lesions (gray matter is gray and white matter is white)
when is a T2 MRI typically used
typically used to identify contusions, brain bleeds, changes in CSF, and ventricular volume
how does fluid show up on a T2 MRI
bright white
what are the two advantages of MRI
- no ionizing radiation
2. excellent soft tissue contrast and high resolution
what are the four disadvantages of MRI
- longer scan times
- susceptible to patient movement
- will dislodge implants
- limited availability and higher cost