Brain Conditions

Symptoms like frequent confusion and memory lapses that are disruptive to your daily life may be symptoms of a brain condition. At Tellica Imaging, we understand the importance of early and accurate diagnosis for optimal brain health.

These symptoms could point to a variety of brain conditions, some more serious than others. A timely diagnosis can lead to more effective treatment options and a better chance of managing the condition.

Advanced imaging techniques, like CT scans and MRIs, play a vital role in diagnosing these conditions. We partner with your healthcare provider to assess your symptoms and determine if further investigation is necessary for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and/or memory loss.

Common Cognitive Concerns

Cognitive function refers to your brain's ability to think, learn, remember, and reason. These functions are essential for navigating daily life. However, as we age, or due to various health conditions, cognitive concerns can sometimes arise.

If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, it might be wise to discuss the possibility of imaging tests with your healthcare provider.

Confusion: This is a broad symptom that can manifest in various ways. You might find it difficult to understand instructions or follow along during conversations. Familiar surroundings or routines might become confusing, and you might struggle to make sound decisions.
Memory Loss: Forgetting recently learned information is a common experience for everyone occasionally. However, persistent memory problems can be a cause for concern. This could involve forgetting important appointments, misplaced items becoming a regular occurrence, or difficulty recalling familiar details about yourself or loved ones.
Difficulty Concentrating: Ever walk into a room and forget why you were there? While occasional absentmindedness is normal, persistent difficulty focusing on tasks or easily getting sidetracked can be a sign of cognitive decline. You might find it challenging to complete tasks that require sustained attention or follow complex instructions.
Personality Changes: Your personality is likely to change somewhat as you age, but sudden or significant shifts can be a red flag. You or your loved ones might notice unusual behaviors, mood swings that seem uncharacteristic, or a decline in social skills. For instance, someone who was always outgoing might become withdrawn or someone who was meticulous might become disorganized.
Speech or Language Difficulties: Slurred speech, difficulty finding the right words to express yourself, or problems understanding what others are saying can all be signs of cognitive issues. You might struggle to name familiar objects or have trouble following conversations, especially in noisy environments.

Connecting Symptoms to Underlying Causes

These cognitive symptoms can sometimes be a sign of various underlying conditions. Imaging tests like CT scans or MRI scans can be valuable tools for your healthcare provider to investigate the cause.

Dementia

“Dementia” is an umbrella term for a group of conditions characterized by a decline in cognitive function that interferes with daily life. While memory loss is often the most prominent symptom, dementia can affect various cognitive domains, including difficulty with:

Problem-solving
Learning new information
Speaking and communicating
Planning and organizing sequential tasks
Spatial awareness

There are various causes of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Early diagnosis can help with managing the symptoms and improving quality of life.

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for roughly 60-80% of cases. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that gradually damages brain cells and tissues, leading to worsening cognitive function over time. Symptoms typically start subtly, with forgetfulness and difficulty with familiar tasks. Over time, memory loss worsens, and other cognitive functions become progressively impaired.

Tumors & Cysts

The presence of tumors or cysts in the brain can also cause cognitive decline depending on their location and size. Tumors and cysts are abnormal growths of cells and can cause a variety of symptoms depending on their location and size.

Brain tumors can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Tumors located in areas critical for memory, thinking, or language are more likely to cause cognitive symptoms. Headaches, seizures, and personality changes can also occur along with cognitive decline.

CT and MRI scans provide detailed visualizations of the brain, allowing your healthcare provider to identify tumors and cysts, assess their size and location, and determine the best course of treatment.

Infections in the Brain & Spinal Cord

The brain and spinal cord, housed within the protective skull and vertebral column, are susceptible to infections. These infections can target the surrounding membranes, the brain tissue itself, or form localized pockets of pus.

Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for preventing severe complications associated with neurological infections.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. CT scans can identify abnormalities or swelling in the brain, while MRI scans can sometimes reveal inflammation of the meninges.
Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain tissue itself, often caused by viruses. MRI scans are the preferred imaging modality for diagnosing encephalitis, as they can reveal specific patterns of inflammation within the brain.
Brain abscesses are pus-filled collections that can develop due to infections. CT and MRI scans can effectively detect brain abscesses and help determine their location and size.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can cause immediate or delayed cognitive problems depending on the severity of the injury. Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and processing information are some potential consequences of TBIs.

Several other factors can impact brain function, and a comprehensive evaluation by your healthcare provider is essential for pinpointing the root cause.

Imaging Tests for Brain Conditions

Experiencing one or two of these symptoms occasionally might not be a cause for alarm. However, if these symptoms become persistent or significantly impact your daily life, consulting your healthcare provider is crucial.

Pinpointing the underlying cause of cognitive decline is crucial for receiving proper treatment and addressing symptoms. Imaging tests play a vital role in this detective work, offering a window into the inner workings of your brain.

At Tellica Imaging, we prioritize your comfort throughout the imaging process. Our team of experienced technologists and board-certified radiologists ensure high-quality scans and accurate interpretations. Additionally, we offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs and work with most major insurance plans.

We offer a safe and comfortable way to diagnose a wide range of brain abnormalities and injuries.

Tellica Imaging’s CT Scans for Brain Conditions

Our neurological and head CT scans are noninvasive imaging tests that use x-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of your brain. While CT scans are not the most advanced imaging modality for the brain, they can be a valuable tool in the initial stages of investigation.

These CT scans can effectively detect abnormalities like strokes, bleeding in the brain, or tumors. These conditions can sometimes mimic symptoms of dementia or other cognitive disorders.

Although rare, head CT scans can also identify skull fractures or foreign objects lodged in the brain, which can contribute to cognitive problems.

Tellica Imaging’s MRIs for Brain Conditions

Our neurological and head MRI scans offer an even more comprehensive view of the brain compared to CT scans. MRI scans utilize strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of your brain tissue, blood vessels, and other structures.

The superior level of detail offered by MRI scans allows healthcare providers to better visualize abnormalities associated with dementia, Alzheimer’s, tumors and cysts, head injuries, infections, and more.

Schedule Your Imaging Test With Tellica Imaging

Cognitive concerns can be unsettling, but remember, you're not alone. However, early diagnosis and intervention can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and maintaining your quality of life.

At Tellica Imaging, our staff is dedicated to creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for every patient. Additionally, our upfront and transparent pricing eliminates surprise bills, ensuring you can focus on your health.

Visit us at any of our convenient locations and our friendly staff will be glad to answer any questions you may have. Alternatively, call us to schedule an imaging test at any of our locations.