Why brain imaging may be ordered.
Brain imaging can add information to the diagnostic picture when a question cannot be answered by symptoms or examination alone. The FDA describes imaging as a group of technologies used to view the body in support of diagnosis, monitoring, or treatment.
Whether imaging is useful depends on the question being asked. An imaging result is considered with your history, neurological examination, and any other relevant findings rather than used as a diagnosis by itself.
What this page does—and does not—say.
Gates Brain Health may order brain imaging when it can provide valuable diagnostic information. This page does not recommend or describe a particular imaging technology.
It does not say that GBH owns imaging equipment, performs imaging, controls an imaging facility, provides interpretation, guarantees access, or has a relationship with another practice.
Questions to bring to the conversation.
If brain imaging is being considered, ask what question it is meant to help answer and how the result would fit with the rest of your evaluation.
The ordering clinician and imaging provider should give you the practical information that applies to your situation. This website does not provide technology-specific preparation or safety instructions.
- Why is brain imaging being considered?
- What question is the imaging meant to help answer?
- How will the result be considered with my history and examination?
- Who should I contact for practical instructions if imaging is ordered?