Maryland Neurological Imaging Exams
Welcome to the comprehensive suite of neurologic imaging exams offered by Advanced Radiology. Our leading-edge imaging centers provide a wide-array of advanced diagnostic procedures tailored to address various neurological conditions with precision and accuracy. Advanced Radiology offers state-of-the-art neurological imaging services including MRI, CT, PET/CT, and Nuclear Medicine including DaTscan.
Many patients suffer from a variety of neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s. These diagnoses, like most neurologic ones, often require detailed imaging to help your clinician in providing the best possible care for you. If your work-up requires imaging, then you should feel confident knowing that at Advanced Radiology, you will be treated with compassion, patience and the highest level of attention to your concerns.
Below is a list of some common neurologic ailments for which Advanced Radiology often provides imaging services.
Neurological Symptoms can include:
- Headaches
- Muscle Weakness
- Seizures
- Impaired Sensation
- Dizziness
- Tremors
- Slurred Speech
- Cognitive Impairment and confusion
- Visual disturbances
- Vertigo or spinning sensation
- Tingling and numbness in your extremities
- Memory loss
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
When should you seek medical help?
While it is never too early to assess your brain health, if you suspect that you or a loved one may be affected by a neurological issue, speak with a medical professional immediately.
How do I prepare for my neurological imaging exam?
It is very important that you follow the prep instructions given to you to make sure your exam is successful. Once your exam is scheduled, you will receive a text message outlining how to prepare for your exam (e.g. if you need to fast, if you can take your medication, what clothes you should wear, etc.). Every neurological exam we offer is unique, we will ensure that you receive all necessary information and support so that you feel comfortable and prepared for your imaging exam. If you have any questions regarding preparation for your exam, you can text or call us.
Our Neurology Radiologists
Our team of board-certified radiologists specialized in neurology and imaging technologists are dedicated to delivering you exceptional care, combined with the most accurate and timely results of any imaging provider in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Balitmore City, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties.
Click here to view our Neuro Radiologists(filter by Neuroradiology Specialists)
What is CT Brain?
A CT scan of the brain is a non-invasive imaging procedure that utilizes specialized X-rays to create images/pictures of the brain in multiple different orientations. These CT scans offer more detail of the brain tissue and surrounding structures compared with standard X-rays.
CT brain scans may involve the use of "contrast." This contrast contains iodine and is injected intravenously almost always in your arm to help the radiologist see more deeply into the brain tissue. The contrast is excreted from your body into your urine.
Benefits:
- Non-invasive
- Provides detailed images of the brain and surrounding tissues
- Fast and technically easy to perform and tolerated well by patients
- Less sensitive to patient movement than MRI
- Implanted medical device of any kind will not prevent you from having a CT scan
What is a MRI Brain?
A MRI brain, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a non-invasive exam that utilizes a strong magnet, radio waves, and a computer to generate detailed images of intracranial and surrounding structures. In contrast to other imaging modalities such as CT or X-rays, MRI does not expose the individual to radiation. Some MRI brain scans incorporate a contrast material, commonly gadolinium, administered through an intravenous catheter to enhance the quality of the images. This contrast improves the visibility of tumors, infection, inflammation and helps the radiologist determine what may be causing some of your symptoms. The MRI gadolinium contrast that Advanced Radiology uses is the safest in the radiology field, with severe adverse effects being exceedingly rare.
Benefits:
- Non-invasive
- No radiation
- MRI images of the brain and other cranial structures are the most detailed of all imaging modalities
- Can detect abnormalities that might be obscured by bone with other imaging methods
- The MRI gadolinium contrast material is less likely to cause an allergic reaction than the iodine-based contrast materials used for CT
- A variant called MR Angiography (MRA) provides detailed images of blood vessels in the brain and neck—often without the need for contrast material. See the MRA page for more information
- MRI is highly effective in detecting stroke at its very earliest stage
We are now offering Alzheimer's disease imaging in the era of Anti-Amyloid therapy. Click here to learn more.
What is MR Angiography (MRA)?
Angiography is a non-invasive imaging exam that creates images of blood vessels in the brain and neck. This can be performed both with and without contrast.
Benefits:
- Angiography can potentially replace the need for invasive procedures, including surgery
- Provides highly detailed and clear images of brain blood vessels, aiding in treatment decisions and surgical planning
- The use of a catheter allows for both diagnosis and treatment in a single procedure
What is PET/CT Brain?
Brain Positron Emission Tomography (PET) — often referred to as a brain PET/CT scan — is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging method that offers both detailed anatomic images of the brain, plus functional information as to how the brain is operating.
PET/CT is a highly sensitive imaging technology that utilizes a radioactive substance that is injected intravenously into a patient’s arm to help depict chemical and functional changes within the brain. These changes are not discernible through MRI or CT and provide physicians with additional valuable information for diagnosis, treatment and monitoring therapy.
Benefits:
- Provides both anatomical and functional information about the patient’s brain
- Can be used as a complementary exam to both MRI and CT
What is Nuclear Medicine DaTscan?
The DaTscan is a nuclear medicine examination utilized to assess the brain for tremors and/or Parkinson’s Disease in a safe manner. It involves the injection of Ioflupane I123 into a patient’s arm vein. This radiotracer then travels to the brain, where it can be measured to determine if there are normal or abnormal levels of dopamine. This may be helpful in determining certain movement disorders such as Parkinson’s or essential tremor. This ground-breaking technology provides information to clinicians immediately which can help patients obtain the treatment they need much sooner compared with previous methods of diagnosis.