Neurodiagnostic Imaging

Abstract

While in the past most knowledge of the precise anatomy and pathology underlying neurological disorders was obtained by direct examination of tissue obtained at autopsy or during surgical procedures, in recent years greatly improved noninvasive imaging techniques have provided an additional source of information. The improved resolution of X-ray computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in comparison to earlier techniques (plain skull x-ray, pneumoencephalography, ventriculography) now permits the identification of structural abnormalities with reliability approaching that of direct examination. In addition, the ability to obtain dynamic information regarding metabolic processes provided by techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) has opened entirely new avenues of research. These methodologies have been applied to the problems associated with infantile spasms, and the results of a number of studies have provided novel information that is relevant to the questions of etiology and pathophysiology.