Advantages of head MRI

• MRI does not use ionizing radiation, and is thus preferred over CT in children and patients requiring multiple imaging examinations
• MRI has a much greater range of available soft tissue contrast, depicts anatomy in greater detail, and is more sensitive and specific for abnormalities within the brain itself
• MRI scanning can be performed in any imaging plane without having to physically move the patient
• MRI contrast agents have a considerably smaller risk of causing potentially lethal allergic reaction
• MRI allows the evaluation of structures that may be obscured by artifacts from bone in CT images

Advantages of head CT

• CT is much faster than MRI, making it the study of choice in cases of trauma and other acute neurological emergencies
• CT can be obtained at considerably less cost than MRI, and is sufficient to exclude many neurological disorders
• CT is less sensitive to patient motion during the examination. because the imaging can be performed much more rapidly
• CT may be easier to perform in claustrophobic or very heavy patients
• CT provides detailed evaluation of cortical bone
• CT allows accurate detection of calcification and metal foreign bodies
• CT can be performed at no risk to the patient with implantable medical devices, such as cardiac pacemakers, ferromagnetic vascular clips, and nerve stimulators

Spinal anatomy 

encompasses the anatomy of all osseous and soft tissue structures of the spine, the spinal cordand its supporting structures.

This anatomy section promotes the use of the Terminologia Anatomica, the global standard for correct gross anatomical nomenclature. 

Overview

The spine is located in the midline posteriorly, extending from the base of the skull to natal cleft, supporting the head, shoulder girdle, rib cage, and attaching to the pelvis. 

It is composed of 24 vertebraeseparated by intervertebral discs, with additional sacral and coccygeal segments which are usually but, variably, fused. The vertebrae are grouped together into groups based on similar osteology and regional relations; cervical spine (7 vertebrae), thoracic spine (12 vertebrae), and lumbar spine (5 vertebrae). The sacrum has five fused vertebral segments and the coccyx has a further 3 to 5 vertebral segments. 

The spinal cord descends in the vertebrae within the spinal canal.

Head and neck anatomy 

is important when considering pathology affecting the same area. In radiology, the 'head and neck' refers to all the anatomical structures in this region excluding the central nervous system, that is, the brain and spinal cord and their associated vascular structures and encasing membranes i.e. the meninges. Many pathologies are confined to a particular area of the head and neck making separation of this section of the human body exceptionally useful.

This anatomy section promotes the use of the Terminologia Anatomica, the global standard for correct gross anatomical nomenclature. 

Neuroanatomy 

encompasses the anatomy of all structures of the central nervous system, which includes the brain and the spinal cord, and their supporting structures.

This anatomy section promotes the use of the Terminologia Anatomica, the global standard for correct gross anatomical nomenclature. 

Abdominal and pelvic anatomy 

encompasses the anatomy of all structures of the abdominal and pelvic cavities.

This anatomy section promotes the use of the Terminologia Anatomica, the global standard for correct gross anatomical nomenclature. 

How does the procedure work?

X-rays are a form of radiation like light or radio waves. X-rays pass through most objects, including the body. Once it is carefully aimed at the part of the body being examined, an x-ray machine produces a small burst of radiation that passes through the body, recording an image on photographic film or a special detector.

Different parts of the body absorb the x-rays in varying degrees. Dense bone absorbs much of the radiation while soft tissue, such as muscle, fat and organs, allow more of the x-rays to pass through them. As a result, bones appear white on the x-ray, soft tissue shows up in shades of gray and air appears black.

On a chest x-ray, the ribs and spine will absorb much of the radiation and appear white or light gray on the image. Lung tissue absorbs little radiation and will appear dark on the image.

Until recently, x-ray images were maintained on large film sheets (much like a large photographic negative). Today, most images are digital files that are stored electronically. These stored images are easily accessible and are frequently compared to current x-ray images for diagnosis and disease management.

How is the procedure performed?

Typically, two views of the chest are taken, one from the back and the other from the side of the body as the patient stands against the image recording plate. The technologist, an individual specially trained to perform radiology examinations, will position the patient with hands on hips and chest pressed against the image plate. For the second view, the patient's side is against the image plate with arms elevated.

Patients who cannot stand may be positioned lying down on a table for chest x-rays.

You must hold very still and may be asked to keep from breathing for a few seconds while the x-ray picture is taken to reduce the possibility of a blurred image. The technologist will walk behind a wall or into the next room to activate the x-ray machine.

When the examination is complete, you may be asked to wait until the radiologist determines that all the necessary images have been obtained.

The entire chest x-ray examination, from positioning to obtaining and verifying the images, is usually completed within 15 minutes.

Additional views may be required within hours, days or months to evaluate any changes in the chest.

What will I experience during and after the procedure?

A chest x-ray examination itself is a painless procedure.

You may experience discomfort from the cool temperature in the examination room and the coldness of the recording plate. Individuals with arthritis or injuries to the chest wall, shoulders or arms may have discomfort trying to stay still during the examination. The technologist will assist you in finding the most comfortable position possible that still ensures diagnostic image quality.

Who interprets the results and how do I get them?

A radiologist, a physician specifically trained to supervise and interpret radiology examinations, will analyze the images and send a signed report to your primary care or referring physician, who will discuss the results with you.

The results of a chest x-ray can be available almost immediately for review by your physician.

Follow-up examinations may be necessary. Your doctor will explain the exact reason why another exam is requested. Sometimes a follow-up exam is done because a potential abnormality needs further evaluation with additional views or a special imaging technique. A follow-up examination may also be necessary so that any change in a known abnormality can be monitored over time. Follow-up examinations are sometimes the best way to see if treatment is working or if a finding is stable or changed over time.