2020–2021 BCSC Basic and Clinical Science Course™
5 Neuro-Ophthalmology
Chapter 2: Neuroimaging in Neuro-Ophthalmology
Crucial Questions in Imaging
Although neuroimaging is widely available, it remains expensive and is not without risks. Accordingly, it is crucial that the clinician addresses the following issues within the context of a specific clinical dilemma when planning the use of an imaging study as part of a neuro-ophthalmic workup (Table 2-4):
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when to order
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what to order
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how to order
specify lesion and region of interest
discuss with radiologist before ordering
review with radiologist after imaging
When to Order
The decision concerning when to order an imaging study should be based on clinical localization and the expectation of particular findings. Furthermore, the information acquired by imaging should have some influence on patient management or provide a more accurate prognosis of the disease’s natural history. For those patients with visual symptoms that are believed to herald an emergent neurological or life- or vision-threatening condition, there should be no delay in performing the necessary testing to confirm the diagnosis and immediately commence treatment.
Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 5 - Neuro-Ophthalmology. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.