Radiological Techniques in Neuropsychological Assessment

Abstract

Since the introduction (in the early 1970s) of computerized axial tomography (CT) scanning techniques (see review by Oldendorf, 1980), imaging of the brain has been revolutionized. Current CT imaging is capable of generating images that offer detailed depictions of the major anatomical structures of the brain. Prior to the advent of the CT, only inferential imaging methods were available. These procedures were not universally utilized because of their limited clinical efficacy (e.g., radioisotope scans could not detect anything but the largest type of pathology such as a tumor) and morbidity risks with invasive procedures (e.g., pneumoencephalography). Accordingly, for a patient to undergo one of these procedures, there had to be clear clinical justification, and the neuroimages obtained were crude facsimiles in comparison to today’s standards. However, with the current status of CT scanning the patient is at no greater risk than for a routine X-ray procedure, the CT scan provides an excellent image of the brain, and as such has become a routine procedure performed on most patients, including infants and children, presenting with neurologic symptoms.