Neuroradiology or Neuroimaging

Neuroradiology is a subspecialty of the radiology concerning the diagnosis and characterization of the abnormalities associated with the central and peripheral nervous system, head, neck, and spine using the medical imaging techniques.

Neuroradiology uses the techniques of neuroimaging for the direct or indirect image of the structure and function of the nervous system with the minimal invasion and Physicians who specialize in the execution and elucidation of neuroimaging in the clinical setting are known as neuroradiologists.  Earlier, the diagnosis and identification of effective therapies for the diseases related to nervous system brain and spine were limited due to the lack of the reliable criteria for the determination of its response and progress but the assessment of the imaging techniques in the field of neurology has made it possible.

The various imaging techniques incorporated in neuroradiology includes:

• Computed axial tomography: It is generally used for the structural imaging of the brain for the detection diagnosis of gross (large scale) intracranial disease (such as a tumor) and injury. CT scan or CAT scan uses a series of x-ray scans which is measured by the computer program for the numerical integral calculation of the absorbed X-ray beams.
• Magnetic resonance imaging: It uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce high quality two- or three-dimensional images without the use of X-rays or radioactive tracers or radiopharmaceuticals. It is used for the diagnosis of brain and spinal cord tumors, eye disease, inflammation, infection, and vascular irregularities that may lead to stroke. MRI can also detect and screen degenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis.
• Functional magnetic resonance imaging: It is a functional imaging technique relies on paramagnetic properties of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin to see images of changing blood flow in the brain associated with neural activity.
• Positron emission tomography: It is a useful imaging technique for the diagnosis, the planning of treatment and the prediction outcome in various neurological diseases by providing non-invasive quantification of brain metabolism, receptor binding of various neurotransmitter systems, and changes in regional blood flow.

Some other techniques involved in neuroradiology imaging or neuroimaging are Magnetoencephalography, Diffuse optical imaging, and cranial ultrasound.

Advantages and Disadvantages

• Functional magnetic resonance imaging has the minimally-to-moderate risk as compared to other imaging methods and due to its BOLD-contrast phenomena but this technique cannot be used for the individuals with medical implants or devices and metallic items in the body as magnetic resonance (MR) emitted from them can cause failure of the screening.
• The greatest concern associated with Computed axial tomography scan is exposure of the patients to levels of radiation 100-500 times higher than traditional x-rays to produce better resolution imaging.
• As the PET scan relies on the foreign substance (radiopharmaceuticals) injected into the bloodstream traveling through the body, the amount of radiation exposure to the patients are relatively small but there is the slightest chance that the radioisotopes used can lead to allergic reactions in some individuals.