Neuroimaging

What is it and How Does it Work?

Neuroimaging is a collection of techniques used to take images of various parts of the nervous system. This offshoot of radiology is still somewhat of a new field when it comes to medicine, but it is proving to be quite important. The images of the brain and the nervous system can help neurologists gain more insight into what is happening with their patients. It helps with more than just diagnosis though. Many are using it to gain a better overall understanding of how the brain works and how various stimuli affect it.

Two Types of Neuroimaging

The process of neuroimaging provides doctors with visual information into what the brain is doing at any given point, and this is very helpful in understanding just how the brain performs, over the course of an individual's lifespan.

There are two types of this imaging specialty that exist today, which include:

• Functional neuroimaging: Functional neuroimaging is useful for diagnosing various types of metabolic diseases as well as lesions. For example, it is one of the ways that doctors can diagnose Alzheimer's disease. It's also helpful for cognitive and neurological psychologists.
• Structural neuroimaging: Structural imaging looks at the actual structures of the central nervous system. It can help to diagnose various types of injuries and diseases in the brain, such as the appearance of tumors.

In addition to MRIs and CT scans, other technologies used for neuroimaging today include PET, or Positron Emission Topography, and Magneto Encephalography. All of the different types of optical imaging used today help doctors get a much better view into the brain's function. More technologies are coming to light, and the future looks very bright for this type of imaging.

Which patients can benefit from neuroimaging?

Doctors will generally only request that a patient undergo this type of imaging when it is believed there is a problem with brain function. Testing may also be required to rule out the possibility of brain issues when trying to make a diagnosis. Other times, neurologists may be looking for patients to join a study group that involves neuroimaging.

Neuroimaging Procedure Types Can Vary

Neuroimaging is actually very common today, and patients should not worry if they have to go through one of the procedures. Neuroimaging is very safe and can help the medical team get to the bottom of what might be wrong. Sometimes, this modality can uncover the missing piece in a diagnostic puzzle for both the treating physician and his or her patient.

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