Brain imaging in major acute stroke

In patients with major stroke, investigations are required to  

Brain imaging is required to distinguish between primary intracerebral hemorrhage and cerebral infarction since this distinction cannot be made reliably on clinical criteria alone (Hawkins et al. 1995). Recent developments in brain imaging, in particular new MRI sequences, and to a lesser extent CT techniques, have enabled visualization of the pathophysiological processes involved in brain infarction. These new techniques are being developed to select patients suitable for thrombolytic treatment beyond the three-hour time window (Ch. 21) and may in the future enable targeting of treatments such as neuroprotection. 

Computed tomography and conventional magnetic resonance imaging 

High sensitivity for ischemia (with DWI) and cerebral perfusion 

High resolution for imaging of vasculature Slower image acquisition 

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Chapter 11 Brain imaging in major acute stroke... 

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