![]() ![]() MR technology continues to develop and is becoming generally available. PET imaging provides unparalleled insights into cerebral physiology and pathophysiology, but is not widely available and is primarily a research tool. Perfusion imaging based on CT techniques (xenon CT and CT perfusion) can be implemented easily in most hospital centres, and provide quantitative perfusion data in addition to structural images. Physiological imaging techniques can only provide ‘snap shots’ of physiology within the injured brain, but they can be repeated, and such data can be used to assess the impact of therapeutic interventions. Although MRI provides greater spatial resolution, particularly within the posterior fossa and deep white matter, a complete assessment of the burden of injury requires imaging of cerebral physiology. CT allows rapid assessment of brain pathology which ensures patients who require urgent surgical intervention receive appropriate care. ![]() ![]() This review will discuss the role of structural imaging using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and physiological imaging using CT perfusion, 131Xe CT, MRI and spectroscopy (MRS), single photon emission computed tomography, and positron emission tomography (PET) in the assessment, management, and prediction of outcome after head injury. Head injury remains an important cause of death and disability in young adults.
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