Neuroradiology Goals & Objectives

Goals

Upon completion of the neuroradiology rotation, the neurosurgical resident will:
Recognize the appropriate imaging based on functional neuroanatomy findings
Interpret magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and routine x-rays of the brain and spinal column
Determine the appropriate imaging to best diagnose neurological diseases
Develop a treatment strategy based upon imaging findings and correlate imaging to surgical techniques
Utilize endovascular techniques in treating neurovascular disorders

Objectives

Identify normal neuroanatomical structures on magnetic resonance imaging, computer tomography, and x-rays
Evaluate the limitations, sensitivity, and specificity and potential complications to intravenous contrast agents and discuss their management
Plan the use of endovascular techniques to treat various neurovascular diseases
Diagnose traumatic pathology to the nervous system during trauma resuscitation by means of CT scans and plain x-rays
Describe the plan for endovascular techniques to treat various neurovascular diseases
Diagnose traumatic pathology to the nervous system during trauma resuscitation by means of CT scans and plain x-rays
Describe precautions that should be taken when performing radiographic evaluations
Describe the use of myelogram in the treatment of spinal disease
Identify diseased neuroanatomical structures on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer tomography, cerebral angiogram, SPECT, PET, spectroscopy, functional imaging and x-rays
Describe the concepts of ultrasonography
Identify the spine fractures on routine x-rays and CT scan
Describe the findings of normal and abnormal carotid ultrasound
Distinguish the various stages of intracranial hematomas on MRI and CT scan
Distinguish the findings of normal and abnormal neonatal cranial ultrasound
Use of transcranial Doppler ultrasonography in the management of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, trauma, and occlusive vascular disease, brain death, and the significance of velocity changes and Lindergaard ratio
Diagnose brain and spine tumors using MRI and CT scan
Use diffuse weighted imaging and perfusion scanning to identify early ischemic stroke
Use MR spectroscopy and PET scan to distinguish brain tumors
Interpret MRI, CT angiography, and standard angiography to diagnose aneurysms and malformations
Diagnose vasospasm with transcranial Doppler
Determine specific pituitary, brain, spine, and skull base tumors based on characteristics in imaging
Discuss the indications and technique of discography, epidural steroids, diagnostic selective nerve root blocks, facet blocks
Discuss the indications and technique for percutaneous vertebroplasty

Technical

Use image guidance to resect brain and pituitary tumors
Use image guidance in placing instrumentation in the spine
Assist in the treatment of neurovascular diseases with endovascular techniques
Perform provocative discography to diagnose discogenic disease
Perform angiography
Perform myelograms