Brain imaging in transient ischemic attack and minor stroke

Brain imaging in transient ischemic attack and minor stroke 

The sensitivity and specificity of different imaging modalities varies with the pre-test probability, the nature of the lesion in question and the delay from event to imaging, while the availability of and expertise in imaging techniques will vary from center to center. When making decisions about imaging after TIA and minor stroke, the choice of imaging will depend on all these factors, as well as patient safety, tolerability and contraindications (Table 10.2). 

An X-ray tube rotates helically around the subject while an array of detectors opposite the tube measures the residual radiation that has passed through the body according to the density of local tissues to X-rays. Cross-sectional images are constructed using mathematical algorithms 

Show brain water content (cerebrospinal fluid) and proton density 

Most sensitive to hemoglobin degradation products and detects hemorrhage 

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