FAQs about Radiologists

What is a neuroradiologist?

A neuroradiologist is a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in diagnosis and characterization of abnormalities of the central and peripheral nervous system, spine, and head and neck using neuroimaging techniques.

What medical imaging techniques do neuroradiologists use?

The two main kinds of imaging techniques that neuroradiologists employ are: computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

• Computed tomography (CT) uses X-rays and sophisticated computer technology to produce a series of 2-D images and/or to generate a 3-D image of a part of the body. CT scans are widely used for a variety of medical situations, such as detecting cancer, vascular disease, and aneurysm.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnetic field to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissue, bones, and other internal body parts. MRI is especially useful in detecting nervous system, nerves and spine.

Please look under 'Procedure Information' for more information on these and other types of imaging techniques used.

What do neuroradiologists actually do?

Radiologists play an important role in your health care in many different ways. They act as a consultant to your referring physician. They go over medical images and recommend further scans or treatments where appropriate. Radiologists are one of the few specialists that primary care physicians consult when coming up with a diagnosis.

Neuroradiologists are radiologists that have further certification and training in treating abnormalities in the central and peripheral nervous system, spine, head and neck. They can also treat diseases by means of minimally-invasive, image-guided surgery. 

What kind of training and education has a neuroradiologist completed?

Graduates of medical school go on to complete a residency in radiology that lasts four years. Radiology residents are required to have four months of training in neuroradiology before they are eligible for the radiology board certification.

Neuroradiologists are those radiologists who go on to complete a fellowship (further education and training after the residency) that is one to two additional years of specialized training. The average neuroradiologist has more than 10 years of training after his or her undergraduate education. 

Do neuroradiologists receive any type of certification?

Neuroradiologists are usually board-certified by the American Board of Radiology or the American Osteopathic Board of Radiology.

Why should I choose to have a neuroradiologist conduct my imaging procedures?

Radiological procedures should only be conducted and assessed by appropriately trained physicians who have access to the best technology. Neuroradiologists have four to six years of unique, specific, post-medical school training in radiation safety to ensure the optimal performance of radiological procedures and interpretation of medical images. Other medical specialties mandate far less imaging education, ranging from a few days to a maximum of 10 months.

Neuroradiologists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating disease and injury by using medical imaging techniques. They have completed at least 10 years of training, including medical school, licensing, a four-year residency, and often a one- to two-year fellowship of specialized training, and are at the forefront of imaging technology. At the end of the day, the neuroradiologist is the expert in medical imaging of the head and neck