Brain Imaging

Abstract Neuroimaging is a branch of medical imaging that involves the in vivo depiction of central nervous system anatomy and function. Structural imaging, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), provides anatomic detail of the brain and structural abnormalities (e.g., tumors, herniation, hemorrhage, developmental abnormalities). Functional brain imaging, such as single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) and proton emission tomography (PET), measures and visualizes the physiological activities of the brain. This chapter provides a basic overview of the structural imaging modalities of plain film X-ray, angiography, CT, MRI, and cranial ultrasound, as well as the functional imaging modalities of SPECT, PET, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).