Non-traumatic brain emergencies are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in geriatric patients, driven by widespread age-related physiologic changes and increased comorbidities. The growing elderly population, along with the higher incidence of emergent conditions such as acute ischemic stroke, venous sinus thrombosis, intracranial hemorrhage, central nervous system infections, seizures, altered mental status, and dizziness, necessitates rapid and reliable neuroimaging for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment in this age group. This chapter emphasizes the importance of imaging in clinical evaluation and treatment decision-making, discusses the appropriate imaging methods for neurological emergencies, reviews common and atypical imaging findings, and highlights the role of advanced techniques. Computed tomography (CT) is often the first-line imaging modality due to its availability and rapid acquisition, making it essential for detecting various pathologies, such as acute hemorrhage and mass effect. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers detailed assessments of early ischemic changes and other subtle abnormalities. Advanced imaging techniques, including diffusion-weighted imaging, CT and MR perfusion, and angiography, are valuable for narrowing the differential diagnosis and further enhancing diagnostic accuracy.

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Non-traumatic Brain Emergencies in Geriatric Patients

  • Bilal Battal,
  • Carlos Zamora

摘要

Non-traumatic brain emergencies are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in geriatric patients, driven by widespread age-related physiologic changes and increased comorbidities. The growing elderly population, along with the higher incidence of emergent conditions such as acute ischemic stroke, venous sinus thrombosis, intracranial hemorrhage, central nervous system infections, seizures, altered mental status, and dizziness, necessitates rapid and reliable neuroimaging for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment in this age group. This chapter emphasizes the importance of imaging in clinical evaluation and treatment decision-making, discusses the appropriate imaging methods for neurological emergencies, reviews common and atypical imaging findings, and highlights the role of advanced techniques. Computed tomography (CT) is often the first-line imaging modality due to its availability and rapid acquisition, making it essential for detecting various pathologies, such as acute hemorrhage and mass effect. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers detailed assessments of early ischemic changes and other subtle abnormalities. Advanced imaging techniques, including diffusion-weighted imaging, CT and MR perfusion, and angiography, are valuable for narrowing the differential diagnosis and further enhancing diagnostic accuracy.