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The first step in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease is to establish that dementia is present. Then, the type of dementia should be clarified.
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While a confident provisional diagnosis may be made in most cases after thorough testing, AD cannot be definitively diagnosed until autopsy examination of the brain for senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles.The diagnosis of AD begins with a t...
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Alzheimer disease is diagnosed clinically by a physician, postmortem by a histopathologist(a scientist who studies diseased tissues by their various staining patterns), or genetically by identifying mutations in genes associated with the disease.T...
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Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is complex and may require visits to several different specialists over several months before a determination can be made. With new diagnostic tools and criteria, it is possible to make a provisional diagnosis that...
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Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is complex, and may require office visits to several different specialists over several months before a diagnosis can be made. While a confident provisional diagnosis may be made in most cases after thorough testin...
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As of 2002, the diagnosis of AD is essentially a process of exclusion. The only definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer's is made post mortem(after death), by performing an autopsy and examining the patient's brain tissue.
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Obtaining an accurate medical history is essential in this process. An accurate family history including a history of family members who have had Alzheimer disease and age of onset must be obtained.The earliest changes in the structure of the brai...
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Obtaining an accurate medical history is essential in this process. An accurate family history including a history of family members who have had Alzheimer disease and age of onset must be obtained.The earliest changes in the structure of the brai...
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A neurological examination is an essential component of a comprehensive physical examination. It is a systematic examination that surveys the functioning of nerves delivering sensory information to the brain and caring motor commands(Peripheral ne...
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Mental status tests are used to determine whether a disease or condition is affecting a person''s thinking abilities, and whether a person''s mental condition is improving or getting worse.Memory; Word comprehension; Orientation; Attention span; Cog...
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A mental status examination(MSE) is an assessment of a patient''s level of cognitive(knowledge-related) ability, appearance, emotional mood, and speech and thought patterns at the time of evaluation. It is one part of a full neurologic(nervous syst...
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A neurological examination is an essential component of a comprehensive physical examination. It is a systematic examination that surveys the functioning of nerves delivering sensory information to the brain and carrying motor commands(peripheral ...
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During a physical examination, a health care provider studies a patient''s body to determine the presence or absence of physical problems.
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Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is a noninvasive way to take pictures of the body.Unlike x-rays and computed tomographic( CT) scans, which use radiation, MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves. The MRI scanner contains the magnet.
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Cardiac nuclear imaging is also called a "perfusion scan.” A radioactive tracer is delivered into the bloodstream. Then a camera scans the tracer in the blood as it flows through the heart muscle.
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Detailed information on magnetic resonance imaging, including how the image is performed and what happens following the procedure
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New MRI machines and new techniques result in images that show prostate cancer in much greater detail, allowing biopsies to be targeted more precisely, and thus cancer staging can be more accurate as well.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that lets your doctor see detailed pictures of the inside of your body. MRI combines the use of strong magnets and radio waves to form an MRI image.
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When I had an MRI of my knee, I was told the test was dangerous for people who have metal devices in their bodies. Since then, I developed angina and my cardiologist put in a metal stent. If I need an MRI in the future, will I be able to get one?
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Studies have found that MRI tests used in addition to mammography detected more cancers in women at high risk for breast cancer. Women at average risk would not necessarily benefit from the additional testing.
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A Harvard Medical School physician answers your question about the safety of MRIs for those who have stents.
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Persons with pacemakers cannot get an MRI because it conflicts with the pacemaker's function. Future pacemakers will likely be made MRI-safe, but this will probably take at least several more years.
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Is a regular MRI more accurate then an open MRI?
Diana Post, M.D., is an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
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How safe is it for a baby who is 6 months old to have an MRI?
Claire McCarthy, M.D., is a senior medical editor for Harvard Health Publications. She is an instructor in pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, an attending physician at Children's Hospital of Boston, and co-director of the pediatrics department at Martha Eliot Health Center, a neighborhood health service of Children's Hospital. The author of two books, "Learning How the Heart Beats" and "Everyone's Children", Dr. McCarthy was a regular columnist for "Sesame Street Parents Magazine" from 1995 to 1998 and is currently a contributing editor for "Parenting Magazine".
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For women at high genetic risk, adding MRI screening to mammography may improve early detection of breast cancer.
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Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is one of the newest, and perhaps most versatile, medical imaging technology available. Doctors can get highly refined images of the body''s interior without surgery using MRI.
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Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses radio waves, a magnetic field, and a computer to generate images of the anatomy.MRI is used to visualize the body to assist doctors in their efforts to diagnose certain di...
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Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is the newest, and perhaps most versatile, medical imaging technology available. Doctors can get highly refined images of the body''s interior without surgery, using MRI.
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Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is one of the newest diagnostic medical imaging technologies that uses strong magnets and pulses of radio waves to manipulate the natural magnetic properties in the body to generate a visible image. In the field of ...
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Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is a unique and versatile medical imaging modality. Doctors can obtain highly refined images of the body''s interior using MRI.
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In some cases, chemical agents such as gadolinium can be injected to improve the contrast between healthy and diseased tissue.A single MRI exposure produces a two-dimensional image of a slice through the entire target area. A series of these image...
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People with certain kinds of pacemakers or ICDs can safely undergo an MRI, as long as a series of safety precautions is carefully followed.
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Detailed information on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including information on how the procedure is performed
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A computed tomography(CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the body.CAT scan; Computed axial tomography scan; Computed tomography scan.You will be asked to lie on a narrow table that slides into the ...
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Computed tomography (CT) is a test that combines x-rays and computer scans. The result is a detailed picture that can show problems with soft tissues (such as the lining of your sinuses), organs (such as your kidneys or lungs), and bones.
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Detailed information on CT scan, including how the CT scan is performed and what happens after the procedure
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Detailed information on ultrafast computed tomography scans, also called ultrafast CT scan or ultrafast CAT scan, including information on how the procedure is performed
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Detailed information on computed tomography scans, also called CT scan or CAT scan, including information on how the procedure is performed
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Detailed information on ultrafast computed tomography (CT) scan, including reasons for the procedure, risks of the procedure, what to expect, and discharge instructions
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Computed tomography(CT) scanning is a valuable diagnostic tool that provides physicians with views of internal body structures. During a CT scan, multiple x rays are passed through the body, producing cross-sectional images, or"slices," on a catho...
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Computed tomography(CT), formerly referred to as computerized axial tomography(CAT), is a common diagnostic imaging procedure that uses x rays to generate images(slices) of the anatomy.Computed tomography(CT) is an x-ray imaging procedure used for...
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Computed tomography(CT) scans are completed with the use of a 360-degree x-ray beam and computer production of images. These scans allow for cross-sectional views of body organs and tissues.CT scans are used to image a wide variety of body structu...
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Computed tomography scanning, also called CT scan, CAT scan, or computerized axial tomography, is a diagnostic tool that provides views of internal body structures using x rays. In the field of mental health, a CT scan may be used when a patient s...
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Computed tomography(also known as CT, CT scan, CAT, or computerized axial tomography) scans use x rays to produce precise cross-sectional images of anatomical structures.With the development of modern computers, the scans enhanced digital capabili...
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Is there an alternative to iodine as a contrast medium in a CT scan?
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What is the difference between a pelvic CT scan and an abdominal CT scan?
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A positron emission tomography(PET) scan is an imaging test that uses a radioactive substance(called a tracer) to look for disease in the body.Unlike magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and computed tomography(CT) scans, which reveal the structure of ...
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Positron emission tomography(PET) is a highly specialized imaging technique using short-lived radiolabeled substances to produce powerful images of the body''s biological function.Besides being used to investigate the metabolism of normal organs, P...
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Rather than showing the structure of a body part, PET images show the chemical function of an organ or tissue. PET can show changes in how an organ or tissue works. This can help your healthcare provider diagnose problems and develop a treatment plan for you.
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A heart positron emission tomography(PET) scan is an imaging test that uses a radioactive substance(called a tracer) to look for disease or poor blood flow in the heart.Magnetic resonance imaging( MRI) and computed tomography( CT) scans reveal the...
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Detailed information on positron emission tomography (PET), including information on how PET scans are performed
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A lung positron emission tomography(PET) scan is an imaging test that uses a radioactive substance(called a tracer) to look for disease in the lungs, especially lung cancer.Unlike magnetic resonance imaging( MRI) and computed tomography( CT) scans...
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Positron emission tomography(PET) is a non-invasive scanning technique that utilizes small amounts of radioactive positrons(positively charged particles) to visualize body function and metabolism.As of 2001, PET is the fastest growing nuclear medi...
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The positron emission tomography( PET) unit is a device used to produce images of the body that reflect biochemical changes taking place in the body. Among the body imaging technologies used in medicine, the PET unit is characterized by its use of...
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Positron emission tomography(PET) is a non-invasive scanning technique that utilizes small amounts of radioactive positrons(positively charged particles) to visualize body function and metabolism.PET is the fastest growing nuclear medicine tool in...
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Positron emission tomography(PET) is a highly specialized imaging technique using short-lived radiolabeled substances to produce extremely high resolution images of the body''s biological function.Besides being used to investigate the metabolism of...
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Are the gamma rays of a PET scan dangerous?
Robert Shmerling, M.D., is associate physician and clinical chief of rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an associate professor in medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is an active teacher in the Internal Medicine Residency Program, serving as the Robinson Firm Chief. He is also a teacher in the Rheumatology Fellowship Program and has been a practicing rheumatologist for over 25 years.
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A magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) scan of the head is a noninvasive method to create detailed pictures of the brain and surrounding nerve tissues.Unlike x-rays and computed tomographic( CT) scans, which use radiation, MRI uses powerful magnets and...
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Congenital brain defects are a group of disorders of brain development that are present at birth.Brain development begins shortly after conception and continues throughout the growth of a fetus. A complex genetic program coordinates the formation,...
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Brain abscess is a bacterial infection within the brain.The brain is usually well insulated from infection by bacteria, protected by the skull, the meninges(tissue layers surrounding the brain), the immune system, and the highly regulated barrier ...
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A brain biopsy is the removal of a small piece of brain tissue for the diagnosis of abnormalities of the brain, such as Alzheimer''s disease, tumors, infection, or inflammation.By examining the tissue sample under a microscope, the biopsy sample pr...
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A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain. Unlike other tumors, brain tumors spread by local extension and rarely metastasize(spread) outside the brain.
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Congenital brain defects are a group of disorders of brain development.Brain development begins shortly after conception and continues throughout the growth of a fetus. A complex genetic program coordinates the formation, growth, and migration of ...
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The brain is the part of the central nervous system located in the skull. It controls the mental processes and physical actions of a human being.The brain, along with the spinal cord and network of nerves, controls information flow throughout the ...
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The brain is a large mass of soft nervous tissue made up of both neurons and supporting glial cells lying within the cranium of the skull. The brain contains both gray and white matter.
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Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) scanners rely on the principles of atomic nuclear-spin resonance. Using strong magnetic fields and radio waves, MRI collects and correlates deflections caused by atoms into images.
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Traumatic brain injury(TBI) is the result of physical trauma to the head causing damage to the brain. This damage can be focal, or restricted to a single area of the brain, or diffuse, affecting more than one region of the brain.
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The brain is the part of the central nervous system(CNS) inside the skull(the part outside the skull is the spinal cord). It gives rise to cognitive thought processes and controls various body functions including muscular activity, speech, sight, ...
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A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue, either malignant(cancerous) or benign(noncancerous), in the brain. Each year, more than 17,000 brain tumors are diagnosed in the United States.A benign brain tumor is composed of slow-growing noncance...
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Controls mental and physical actions of the organism.The brain, with the spinal cord and network of nerves, controls information flow throughout the body, voluntary actions, such as walking, reading, and talking, and involuntary reactions, such as...
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Like all other parts of the body, the brain and central nervous system are made up of cells that ordinarily grow and divide to create new cells as needed. This is usually an orderly process; but when cells lose their ability to grow normally or to...
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Depending on the study being done, you may need to lie on your stomach, back, or side.A cranial CT scan produces images from your upper neck to the top of your head.You must be still during the exam, because movement causes blurred images. If you ...
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Computed tomography(CT) scans are completed with the use of a 360-degree x-ray beam and computer production of images. These scans allow for cross-sectional views of body organs and tissues.
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The most important consequence of head injury is traumatic brain injury. Head injury may occur either as a closed head injury such as the head hitting a car''s windshield, or as a penetrating head injury such as when a bullet pierces the skull.
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Computed tomography(CT) scans are completed with the use of a 360-degree x-ray beam and computer production of images. These scans allow for cross- sectional views of body organs and tissues.CT scans are used to image a wide variety of body struct...
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CT imaging equipment includes conventional, spiral, multi-slice, and electron-beam computed tomography full-body scanners, which use x rays to acquire cross-sectional images and computer workstations to reconstruct acquired image data for display ...
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Head injury is an injury to the scalp, skull, or brain. The most important consequence of head trauma is traumatic brain injury.
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Injury to the head may damage the scalp, skull or brain. The most important consequence of head trauma is traumatic brain injury.
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A brain positron emission tomography(PET) scan is an imaging test that uses a radioactive substance(called a tracer) to look for disease or injury in the brain.Unlike magnetic resonance imaging( MRI) and computed tomography( CT) scans, which revea...
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Positron emission tomography(PET) is a noninvasive scanning technique that utilizes small amounts of radioactive positrons(positively charged particles) to visualize body function and metabolism.PET is the fastest growing nuclear medicine tool in ...
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Finding cancer at its earliest stage can give the best chance of being able to cure it. Different tests are used to find cancers and to help find out if the cancer has spread. A positron-emission tomography (PET) scan is one type of test that can help find and stage cancers as well as monitor how well treatment is working.
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Positron emission tomography(PET) is a scanning technique used in conjunction with small amounts of radiolabeled compounds to visualize brain anatomy and function.A PET scan showing brain activity while patient recognizes faces—left sides at...
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