Aspects of Neuroradiology of Head Injury

Neuroimaging in patients with head injury

Head trauma affects thousands of people every year. Neuroimaging techniques provide some of the most important diagnostic, prognostic, and pathophysiological information in the management of brain injury. Anatomical imaging modalities can help assess intracranial hemorrhage, fractures, and other structural lesions. Functional imaging has been shown to be helpful in assessing the areas of the brain affected by the trauma as well as determining long term prognosis and rehabilitation potential. This article will review the current uses of neuroimaging techniques in head trauma and delineate future applications.

Radiographic assessment of cranial gunshot wounds

Though advances in MRI will undoubtedly increase its use, particularly in the subacute period, CT will likely continue its primary role in the management of these injuries in the foreseeable future. The spectrum of imaging features of cranial gunshot injuries is vast, because they encompass all of the findings encountered in closed head injury in addition to the wide variety of problems associated with penetration. Thus, only a brief summary of the many varied aspects of this complex problem is presented here as a review of the more salient issues.