Essentials of Neuroimaging for Clinical Practice

Book excerpt: The use of neuroimaging studies in psychiatry is exploding -- and offers tremendous potential for practicing clinicians. Yet if you're like many psychiatrists, you're sometimes uncertain about which studies to use in specific situations. Until now, you've had to sort through the only information available -- technical reviews in the literature -- for guidance. But no more. Essentials of Neuroimaging for Clinical Practice is an all-in-one resource that explains how to use these powerful techniques to improve outcomes. It demystifies neuroimaging with clear, concise, and practical advice on using today's most advanced applications in the diagnostic workup of patients. This practical clinical guide will help you achieve a solid understanding of the full range of neuroimaging modalities: Structural techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Functional techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) Other techniques such as electroencephalography (EEG) -- including quantitative EEG and event-related potentials -- and magnetoencephalography. For each modality, you'll find: A basic review of the technique -- trace the development of each modality, and become familiar with its underlying technology. Guidance on when to use it -- learn which techniques are best to use in specific clinical situations. Tips for ordering studies -- discover how to write up orders to obtain the most accurate and detailed information from each study, including when to use contrast and how to determine the best acquisition parameters. A look at its future potential in practice and research -- explore the current capabilities of each modality and the most promising strategies for improving diagnostic results. Filled with examples of real-life imaging studies, Essentials of Neuroimaging for Clinical Practice is a must-have tool for all practicing psychiatrists and psychologists. In addition, it will serve as an excellent clinical guide for residents -- and an outstanding text for courses in clinical neuroimaging for psychiatrists.