Advances in diagnostic imaging enable physicians to view the heart, arteries and skeletal structure of a patient's body. More recently, this technology has revealed medical secrets that have remained -- up until now -- hidden within the intricate layers of the brain.

"Over the past 10 years, there have been tremendous advances in the field of neurodiagnostics," says Jessica Feldman, MD, neurologist at Central Montgomery Medical Center (CMMC). "With more precise imaging, we can diagnose neurological conditions more accurately and offer patients more effective treatment options than ever before."

Such sophisticated technology enables neurologists to diagnose anomalies of the head and neck, including:

• Brain tumors
• Embolic strokes
• Intracranial bleeding/hemorrhages
• Skull fractures
• Structural abnormalities

Diagnostic Options
At CMMC, neuroimaging is performed through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), carotid ultrasonography, transcranial Doppler ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT).

Jessica Feldman, MD

MRI, the most advanced imaging technology to date, provides a comprehensive view of the brain. During the procedure, a patient lies on a table and is transported into an imaging tube. On a monitoring screen, physicians view brain tissue and blood vessels. Small tumors, structural abnormalities, bleeding, embolic stroke and signs of brain infection or meningitis may be detected.

MRA, a sub-type of MRI, provides detailed, high-resolution photographic images of blood vessels within the brain. This allows for detection of aneurysms, clots or plaque within the vessels and many other types of blood vessel abnormalities.

Carotid ultrasonography measures blood flow in the carotid arteries of the neck. Blood clots and plaque-filled arteries -- risk factors for stroke or heart attack -- may be detected. During an ultrasound, a patient lies on a table while an ultrasound technician glides a probe over the neck area.

Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography provides physicians with additional information about the presence of blood vessel spasms or abnormal blood flow in the major blood vessels of the back of the brain.

CT scans of the brain are commonly used on an emergency basis. With this technology, large masses, intracranial bleeding and skull fractures may be diagnosed. Signs of stroke may be detected 24 hours after an attack. Patients lie on a table while the scanner passes over them, capturing X-ray images of the brain cavity.

Just a Headache … Or Something More Serious?
If you have a headache, it's usually nothing to worry about. But a severe headache that wakes you up in the morning and is accompanied by nausea or vomiting, is cause for concern. See your physician if you experience these symptoms, or call 911.

To learn more about headaches and migraines, please visit our Web site at www.IchooseCentralMontgomery.com. On the left hand side, click Health Information. Then, click Diseases & Conditions, and H for Headaches.

To learn more about neuroimaging at CMMC, please call 215-361-4500.

Central Montgomery Medical Center 100 Medical Campus Drive, Lansdale, PA 19446 215-368-2100 | FAX 215-361-4933