Neuroimaging for the anesthesiologist

Neuroimaging is essential in the treatment of cerebral nervous system disorders or in patients in the ICU with deterioration of their neurologic function. Leading clinical symptoms are acute neurologic deficits with different stages of hemisymptomatology, primary or progressing loss of consciousness or vigilance deficit, focal or generalized seizures, sometimes combined with an acute respiratory or circulatory insufficiency. The resulting questions can be summarized in those of intracranial space occupying hemorrhage; acute infarction; and signs for reduced cerebral blood flow, cerebrovascular vasospasm, or intracranial mass. Recent evolutions in imaging have contributed to an increase in diagnostic sensitivity and specificity along with reduced side effects. This article illustrates typical and atypical differential diagnoses, with some emphasis on traumatic brain injury.