There are many different diagnostic test performed to examine both the structure of the brain as well as to monitor the functions of the brain. Generally speaking, diagnostic tests are conducted to either detect or diagnose disease. Diagnostic tests can be used in determining whether a person has suffered a brain injury and for other medical reasons. Some of these tests include CT scanning, MRIs, SPECT scanning, and EEG tests.

Both the CT scan and MRIs are used to view the structure of the brain. Both of these tests can produce images that allow doctors to view a patient’s brain as “slices” and as three-dimensional images. A CT scan, also known as a CAT scan for computed axial tomography, uses X-rays is to diagnose intracranial hemorrhages and cerrebrovascular injuries. Tomography is simply the ability to show images in sections. The MRI or magnetic resonance imaging, as its name implies, uses magnetic fields. The MRI is typically used in detecting diseased tissue within the brain such as a brain tumor. Generally, the MRI is preferred over the CT scan when a patient must undergo many tests. This is due to its use of magnetic fields rather than radiation.

SPECT scanning and EEG tests are used to monitor the functions of the brain and used to detect brain damage. The SPECT scan, or single photon emission computed tomography, is used to show how blood moves throughout the arteries and veins of the brain. It does this using a chemical that emits gamma rays. The chemical is injected into the patient’s bloodstream. A scanner can then detect the gamma rays and present them as images for a doctor to view.

EEG tests, also known as electroencephalography, monitor the electrical activity in a patient’s brain. An EEG test is capable of doing this with electrodes that are placed in various places on the scalp. One major advantage of using an EEG test over other diagnostic tests is its ability to measure brain activity directly rather than through blood flow and other means.

Each diagnostic test can give neurologists and other doctors helpful information that can be used to either prevent brain damage and disease, or to treat a patient that is suffering from brain damage and disease. There are other diagnostic tests that perform some of the same tasks that CT scans, MRIs, SPECT scans, and EEG tests perform.

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