Evaluating Brain Diseases
Several different imaging tests can be used to assessthe brains structure and function.
These tests are used to aid in the diagnosis and treatment planning of conditions that affect the brain.
Imaging tests can be used to visualize the structure of the brain, skull, or blood vessels.
Nusha Ashjaee / Verywell
Some diagnostic tests also provide information about activity in different regions of the brain.
Interventional procedures for treatment of brain conditions are often done with real time imaging guidance as well.
An X-ray is a quick test that does not require injections.
An X-ray can be used to examine the skull and facial bones.
This is a relatively fast test that can be done in a few minutes.
A brain CT scan can also identify fluid, swelling, large tumors, or alarge stroke.
If you are having a brain MRI, it may take an hour or so.
You might have contrast dye injected intravenously (IV, into your vein).
A brain MRI can provide a more detailed picture than a brain CT.
Sometimes a therapeutic procedure can be done during an invasive angiography as well.
You would need to have IV contrast when you have an angiography.
The additional angiography images may prolong the time that you are having the test.
If you have an invasive brain angiography, you may have contrast dye injected through a catheter.
This is a small tube that is inserted into a blood vessel, typically in the groin.
Angiography is a test that is done to visualize the blood vessels of the brain.
This test can detect changes in brain activity.
Your fMRI images can change from minute to minute based on the tasks that you are doing.
An fMRI involves an injection of IV dye.
The test can take several hours, and it is not considered invasive.
Sometimes this test is used to evaluate conditions like dementia, movement disorders, or brain tumors.
It may be used to identify the areas that should be targeted in epilepsy surgery.
In general, PET scan is not a standard test and it is also used in experimental studies.
It involves IV injection of radioactive material.
Brain imaging tests are generally safe and are not painful or uncomfortable.
2021 Feb 1;398:113004. doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2020.113004
