ABSTRACT
Of all diagnostic tests in neurological disease, imaging often has the most decisive influence on management. Nowadays the most useful imaging modalities are harmless to patients, and imaging equipment generally has been appropriately prioritized and is widely available. In most situations, the only modality to consider is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and in patients for whom MRI cannot be performed, X-ray computerized tomography (CT) is usually satisfactory. The latter still has great utility, and is the test of first choice to exclude surgical emergencies. Angiography is rarely indicated for diagnostic purposes, and such diagnostic applications that remain are best implemented by non-invasive methods. Myelography is indicated only in patients who cannot undergo MRI. Plain X-rays of the skull are rarely helpful, but a limited role for plain X-rays of the spine remains.
