What are radiographs?
Radiographs are the images that are produced from imaging procedures such as X-Rays and CT scans. Traditional radiographs are created by using X-Rays, gamma radiation, or other similar radiation to view the inner portions of your body. To capture this imagery, X-Rays are directed at a focused area of your body that your doctor wants a closer look at.
A beam of electromagnetic radiation is created from a generator and projected against the concerned area of the body. As the minuscule amounts of radiation pass through your body, they are blocked by internal organs, bones, and other organic material. The rays that are unblocked pass through and are captured on a detector placed behind you. This creates a 2D internal image of your body for the doctor to view.
CT scans are another form of radiography. Unlike traditional radiographs, CT scans produce a 3D image. To create this image, patients lie in a large cylindrical machine. This machine allows your doctor to retrieve X-Ray imagery from around your entire head or body. The programs that are used to capture the radiation and imagery then create a 3D version of that portion of your body from all of the scans that it took during your CT scan.
Radiographs allow doctors to get a better look at the underlying physical conditions of a patient’s body. When used for neurological treatments, CT scans allow your doctor to look for potential abnormalities such as lesions or scarring. These lesions can inhibit your normal brain function and lead to problems such as mood changes, memory loss, motor, or balance problems.
What is memory testing?
Memory tests or assessments are tests that have been designed to check a patient’s cognitive memory functions. These tests may include questions about the patient’s family or personal history to determine if they are missing any important information from their memory. We may also use these tests to observe the patient by conducting small memory tasks.
The goal of memory testing is to look at the different aspects of your cognition, including language, memory, problem-solving, and your processing ability. By comparing your responses to the standard base set of answers from your age set, we can uncover any underlying memory problems and determine the best treatment plan to address the issues.
Memory testing and radiographs
Both radiographs and memory testing serve significant functions on their own, but more recently, we have been using the two in conjunction with one another to better understand why some patients experience certain memory problems, especially after a traumatic brain injury. By using radiographs, we can determine the underlying physical conditions that may be contributing to your memory or cognitive problems. Combining the test results and scans helps us be proactive in treating and caring for your mental health.
If we discover an underlying cause to your cognitive issues, we will work to create a treatment plan that addresses your current challenges and prevents new ones from arising in the future. We are dedicated to helping you recover from your injuries or cognitive deficits by working together to get you back to feeling confident in your abilities.
For more information on radiographs or memory testing, or to schedule an appointment give us a call at (806) 356-7291.