Modern diagnostic methods using neuroimaging in neurology and neurosurgery

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to provide a comprehensive overview of current neuroimaging technologies in neurology and neurosurgery, with a focus on their diagnostic and therapeutic applications. This review explores the neuroimaging technologies currently in clinical use that form the basis of modern diagnosis and treatment of neurological and neurosurgical diseases. A systematic analysis of studies from 2020 to 2025, drawn from medical databases Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar, highlights the advantages of neuroimaging technologies, which provide detailed, safe, and non-invasive information about the structure and function of the brain and central nervous system. The authors stress that computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, functional MRI, and positron emission tomography have become integral to clinical practice in neurology and neurosurgery. CT provides rapid and accessible diagnostics for patients with emergencies such as traumatic brain injury or stroke, thanks to its ability to quickly detect intracranial haemorrhages, fractures, and other damage. MRI is the gold standard for assessing neurodegenerative diseases, tumours, strokes, and brain injuries, as it offers high sensitivity to soft tissues, allowing for accurate localisation of pathological changes. Functional MRI, which measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow, is an important tool for neurosurgical planning, especially for localising functional areas of the brain prior to surgery. PET, in turn, allows the detection of molecular changes in brain tissue, which is important for the early diagnosis of diseases such as brain cancer, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's. The basic conclusion is that further neuroimaging development promises significant improvements in the accuracy of diagnosis and personalisation of treatment for patients with neurological diseases.