Neuroradiology

What is Neuroradiology and What Diseases Does It Cover?

Neuroradiology is a subspecialty of radiology that focuses on diagnosing abnormalities in the brain, spine, head, and neck. This specialty uses advanced imaging techniques to examine the central nervous system and related structures in detail. Neuroradiology plays a critical role in the diagnosis and treatment of many serious health problems, from brain and spine tumors to vascular diseases, from traumatic injuries to degenerative diseases. This enables early diagnosis of diseases and the determination of appropriate treatment methods.

What is Neuroradiology?

Neuroradiology is a branch of medicine that uses advanced imaging techniques to examine and treat structures of the central nervous system, such as the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and spine. Techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and angiography are the primary tools of neuroradiology. These methods are used to identify diseases occurring in the nervous system and to create appropriate treatment plans.

What Diseases Does Neuroradiology Cover?

Neuroradiology plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases affecting the central nervous system and surrounding structures. The field covers a wide range of diseases affecting the brain, spinal cord, head and neck region.

• Brain Tumors: Diagnosis and monitoring of both benign and malignant brain tumors is one of the main areas of neuroradiology. The location, size and spread of tumors are examined in detail with methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT).
• Vascular Diseases: Diseases affecting the brain and spinal vessels, such as aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), strokes and vascular occlusions, are evaluated with neuroradiology techniques. Early diagnosis of these diseases is vital for appropriate treatment planning.
• Spine Problems: Spine-related disorders such as herniated discs, spinal canal stenosis, spinal cord tumors and spinal traumas are examined in detail by neuroradiology.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): An autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, MS causes plaques to form in the brain and spinal cord. MRI plays an important role in detecting MS plaques and monitoring the disease.
• Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries: Head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and related complications are conditions that require rapid and accurate evaluation. Neuroradiology is effective in determining the extent and severity of such injuries.
• Infections: Infections affecting the brain and spinal cord, such as meningitis and encephalitis, can be diagnosed and the treatment process can be monitored with neuroradiological examinations.

Neuroradiology plays an important role in the diagnosis, treatment planning and follow-up of these and many similar diseases. Advanced imaging techniques in this field allow diseases to be detected at earlier stages and treatment to be started more quickly.

When Should You See Neuroradiology?

A neuroradiologist may need to be consulted when symptoms such as headache, seizure, dizziness, sudden loss of vision, muscle weakness, or loss of consciousness are experienced. Rapid neuroradiological evaluation is vital, especially in cases where there is a suspicion of stroke or brain damage. In addition, a neuroradiologist may need to be consulted for the follow-up of a previously diagnosed neurological disease or for the planning of the treatment process.

Can People of All Ages Seek Neuroradiology?

Yes, neuroradiology can be used to evaluate and treat central nervous system problems in individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly. Imaging and treatment methods may vary depending on age group, but neuroradiology specialists can develop approaches appropriate for patients of all ages.

How is an Examination Performed in Neuroradiology?

The neuroradiological examination usually begins with a detailed patient history and physical examination. Imaging techniques such as MRI, CT, or angiography are then used, depending on the nature of the symptoms and the physician's assessment. These techniques allow for detailed examination of the brain, spine, or nerves. The images obtained play a critical role in diagnosing the disease and developing a treatment plan.

Treatment Methods Used in Neuroradiology

Treatment methods used in neuroradiology include advanced imaging techniques and minimally invasive interventional procedures. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) play a critical role in the initial evaluation of brain and spine diseases. These methods provide morphological imaging, providing important information in the diagnosis and treatment planning of prenatal and postnatal diseases, vascular diseases, traumatic injuries, metabolic disorders, epilepsy, infections, neurodegenerative diseases, degenerative spine diseases, and central nervous system tumors.

Other treatment methods include endovascular treatment of brain aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations, catheter-based procedures such as thrombectomy in acute stroke. These procedures replace traditional surgical methods, offering less invasive and faster recovery times for patients. In addition, hybrid techniques used in combination with CT and MRI technologies, such as PET/CT and PET/MRI, provide new opportunities for functional imaging by allowing lesions to be visualized with different modalities. Repeated imaging techniques are increasingly used to monitor the course of treatment, and these advanced imaging methods, together with neuropathological diagnoses after biopsy or surgery, allow for more personalized treatment to the patient.