Neuroimaging in children

Summary 

Paediatric neuroradiology has become highly specialised over the past 30 years. The power and versatility of the different imaging modalities has grown rapidly over this period, alongside a greater understanding of their limitations. This review considers the current state of paediatric neuroradiology and emphasises the role of imaging in diagnostic problem solving. Five important neurological presentations—large or increasing head circumference, acute encephalopathy, epileptic seizures, symptoms and signs of raised intracranial pressure, and suspected non-accidental head injury—are used to illustrate the value of neuroimaging. The importance of effective communication between paediatricians and neuroradiologists to allow timely, appropriate and effective diagnostic imaging is stressed.

Keywords: Paediatrics, Neurology, Neuroradiology, Computed tomography, Magnetic resonance imaging