Initial Screening Evaluation

Conditions Evaluated:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Concussion
• Brain tumors
• Spinal tumors
• Hydrocephalus

Before the Procedure:

You may need to change into a gown and remove any jewelry or metal. Some scans use contrast dye to help certain areas show up better. Your care team will let you know what to expect.

After the Procedure:

Your neurosurgeon will look at the images to check for signs of injury or disease. The results help decide if you need more tests or treatment.

Conditions Evaluated:

• Concussion
• Hydrocephalus
• Chiari malformation
• Peripheral nerve disorders
• Brain and spinal tumors

Before the Procedure:

Your provider will explain which tests are needed. Some may require you to fast or avoid certain medications.

After the Procedure:

Once results are ready, your doctor will discuss them with you and explain what they mean for your treatment plan

Conditions Evaluated:

• Brain tumors near major nerve tracts
• Epilepsy
• Stroke damage
• Traumatic brain injury

Before the Procedure:

Preparation is the same as a regular MRI. No special fasting or medicines are needed unless otherwise directed.

After the Procedure:

You can go back to your routine. Results help surgeons plan precise operations while avoiding critical nerve pathways.

Conditions Evaluated:

• Brain tumors near critical areas
• Epilepsy before surgery
• Stroke recovery planning
• Neurological conditions affecting movement or speech

Before the Procedure:

You may be asked to perform simple tasks like moving your hand or speaking during the scan. Wear comfortable clothing and avoid metal objects.

After the Procedure:

You can resume daily activities. Doctors use the scan to plan surgery or treatment while protecting important brain functions.

Conditions Treated / Evaluated

• Brain tumors
• Epilepsy
• Neurodegenerative disorders (such as Alzheimer’s)
• Metabolic or mitochondrial diseases

Before the Procedure:

You will have the same preparation as for a regular MRI—removing jewelry, avoiding metal objects, and changing into a gown. No needles or injections are usually required.

After the Procedure:

You can return to normal activities right away. Results are reviewed by your neurosurgeon or radiologist to guide diagnosis and treatment.

Conditions Evaluated:

• Brain tumors
• Spinal tumors
• Hydrocephalus
• Chiari malformation
• Peripheral nerve disorders

Before the Procedure:

You’ll be asked to lie still inside a large tube. It’s noisy, but painless. You may wear earplugs or headphones. If your scan uses contrast dye, you’ll get it through an IV.

After the Procedure:

Your neurosurgeon will review the images and explain what they show. The MRI helps us find the cause of your symptoms and plan your care.

Conditions Evaluated:

• Brain tumors
• Spinal tumors
• Traumatic brain injury
• Concussion
• Hydrocephalus
• Chiari malformation
• Peripheral nerve disorders

Before the Procedure:

There’s no special prep needed. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history.

After the Procedure:

You’ll get the results right away. Based on the exam, your doctor may order more tests or refer you to a specialist.

Conditions Evaluated:

• Brain injury
• Stroke
• Dementia or memory problems
• Epilepsy
• Mood and behavioral changes related to brain disorders

Before the Procedure:

No special preparation is needed. You should bring glasses or hearing aids if you use them. The testing can last several hours, so plan for a longer visit.

After the Procedure:

You may feel tired but can return to your normal activities. A specialist reviews the results and shares them with your neurosurgery team to guide treatment planning.

Conditions Evaluated:

• Brain tumors
• Epilepsy
• Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders
• Dementia evaluation

Before the Procedure:

You may receive a small injection of a radioactive tracer. You will then wait while it circulates before the scan begins.

After the Procedure:

You can return home after the scan. The tracer leaves your body naturally over time. Doctors analyze the images to guide diagnosis and treatment options.

Conditions Treated:

• Brain and spinal tumors
• Hydrocephalus
• Chiari malformation
• Peripheral nerve disorders
• TBI or complex injury

Before the Procedure:

You’ll meet with the surgeon to talk about your diagnosis, options, and risks. More testing may be done to prepare for surgery.

After the Procedure:

Your neurosurgery team will follow up to guide your care, answer questions, and plan your recovery.