Radiology and Imaging in Neurotrauma

Neurotrauma is an important cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide (Rubiano et al., Nature 527:S193-S197, 2015). Historical evidence of management issues related to neurotrauma have been found across various civilizations. It was however the coming of radiology, starting with X-rays to CT scans and MRIs, which have played a major role in effecting improvement in the various aspects of its management. However, to prevent its misuse and unnecessary radiations, various international groups such as NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) of the UK have formulated guidelines and protocols (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Head injury: assessment and early management, NICE, London, 2014; National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Spinal injury: assessment and initial management, NICE, London, 2016). These guidelines and protocols vary for adults and children. Imaging protocols primarily guide us in the diagnosis of the various traumatic conditions and based on these our management varies thereafter at the initial definitive management but also subsequently in the follow-up.