MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical test that physicians use to diagnose medical conditions. The generated pictures of the brain, other cranial structures and spinal cord are clearer and more detailed than other imaging methods.
MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures. MRI does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays).
Detailed MR images allow physicians to evaluate various parts of the body and determine the presence of certain diseases. The images can then be examined on a computer monitor, transmitted electronically, printed or copied to a CD or uploaded to a digital cloud server.
An MRI helps a doctor diagnose a disease or injury, and it can monitor how well you’re doing with a treatment. MRIs can be done on different parts of your body.
An MRI of the brain and spinal cord looks for:
- Stroke
- vascular problems, such as an aneurysm (a bubble-like expansion of the vessel), arterial occlusion (blockage) or venous thrombosis (a blood clot within a vein)
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Reasons for epilepsy
- Tumors
- Hydrocephalus – dilatation of fluid spaces within the brain (ventricles)
- developmental anomalies
- disorders of the eye and inner ear
- disorders of pituitary gland
- disc diseases
A special kind of MRI called a functional MRI (fMRI) maps brain activity.
This test looks at blood flow in your brain to see which areas become active when you do certain tasks. An fMRI can detect brain problems, such as the effects of a stroke, or for brain mapping if you need brain surgery for epilepsy or tumors. Your doctor can use this test to plan your treatment.
CT Diagnostics
Computed tomography, more commonly known as a CT or CAT scan, is a diagnostic medical test that, like traditional x-rays, produces multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body.
The cross-sectional images generated during a CT scan can be reformatted in multiple planes and can even generate three-dimensional images. These images can be viewed on a computer monitor, printed on film or transferred to a CD or DVD.
CT images of internal organs, bones, soft tissue and blood vessels provide greater detail than traditional x-rays, particularly of soft tissues and blood vessels.
Using specialized equipment and expertise to create and interpret CT scans of the body, radiologists can more easily diagnose problems such as headaches, head injuries, dizziness, stroke and brain tumors. In addition, analysis of sinuses, eyes and face is completing the assessment. It helps to save lives by fast conduct especially in bleedings.
What are some common uses of the procedure?
CT imaging of the head is exemplary used in emergency situations as:
- brain injuries and skull fractures
- sudden onset of thunderclap headaches caused by bleeding through a ruptured aneurysm
- fulminant disability due to an ischemic stroke by blood clot especially with a new technique called Perfusion CT
- progressing forgetfulness and imbalanced gait disturbances induced by enlargement of the brain cavities (ventricles) as well known as hydrocephalus
- clarifications of brain tumours.
- detection of inflammations at paranasal sinuses.
- Assessment of stenosis, aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations via a technique called CT angiography.