Brain imaging and common brain problems

The brain is one of the largest and most complex organs in the human body, made up of more than 100 billion nerves that are responsible for transmitting information to trillions of other connections called synapses. Below are pictures of the brain and common brain problems.

The brain is made up of many specialized areas that work together:
The cerebral cortex is the outermost layer of brain cells. Thinking and controlling reflexes begin in the cerebral cortex. The brain stem is located between the spinal cord and the rest of the brain. Basic functions such as breathing and sleeping are controlled here. The basal ganglia are a cluster of structures in the center of the brain. The basal ganglia connect information between many brain regions. The cerebellum is located at the base and behind the brain. The cerebellum is responsible for controlling movement and maintaining balance in the body. The brain image is also divided into several lobes:
The frontal lobe is responsible for problem solving and judgment and motor function. The parietal lobes manage sensation, handwriting, and organ positioning. The temporal lobes are involved in memory and hearing. The occipital lobe contains the visual processing system of the brain.

The brain is surrounded by a layer of tissue called the meninges. The skull (cranium) helps protect the brain from injury.

Common brain diseases include:
Headache : There are many types of headaches; some can be serious but most are not dangerous and are usually treated with pain relievers.

Stroke (cerebral infarction): Blood and oxygen flow leading to brain tissue is suddenly interrupted resulting in brain cell death. A blood clot, or bleeding in the brain, is the cause of most strokes.
Brain aneurysm : An artery in the brain develops in a weak, swollen, balloon-like spot. A ruptured brain aneurysm is one of the most dangerous brain diseases and can cause a stroke.
Subdural hematoma : Bleeding in or under the dura, the inner lining of the skull. A subdural hematoma can put pressure on the brain, causing nerve problems.
Epidural hematoma : A condition in which blood is seen in the brain's epidural bleeding. External hematoma in the virtual space of the dura mater and skull, usually shortly after a head injury. Initial symptoms can progress rapidly to unconsciousness and death, if left untreated.
Intracerebral hemorrhage: Occurs when blood suddenly overflows into brain tissue, resulting in brain damage.
Concussion : Is one of the brain diseases that occur when there is a temporary disturbance in brain function. Most concussions are caused by head trauma.
Cerebral edema: Swelling of brain tissue in response to injury or electrolyte imbalance.
Brain Tumor: When you have a brain tumor, brain imaging will show abnormal tissue growth inside the brain. Whether malignant (cancerous) or benign, brain tumors often put pressure on the brain.

Glioblastoma : Is a malignant (cancerous) brain tumor. Glioblastoma of the brain grows rapidly and is very difficult to treat.
Hydrocephalus: An abnormal increase in the amount of cerebrospinal fluid inside the skull. Usually this is because cerebrospinal fluid is not circulating properly. Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a form of hydrocephalus that often causes problems with walking, memory loss, and urinary incontinence. Although the cerebrospinal fluid is increased, the pressure in the brain is normal.
Meningitis : Inflammation of the lining around the brain or spinal cord, usually due to an infection. Stiff neck, neck pain, headache, fever, and drowsiness are common symptoms.
Encephalitis : Inflammation of brain tissue, usually caused by a viral infection. Fever, headache, and confusion are common symptoms.
Traumatic Brain Injury : Long-term brain damage caused by head trauma. Damage to the mind, or changes in personality or mood are possible. This is one of the most common brain diseases.

Parkinson's disease: Nerves in a central area of ​​the brain slowly degenerate, causing problems with movement and coordination. Hand tremors are a common early sign.

Huntington's disease: An inherited neurological disorder that affects the brain. Dementia and difficulty controlling movements (chorea) are symptoms of this condition.
Epilepsy : Characterized by seizures. Head trauma and stroke can cause seizures, but the cause is often unknown. Dementia: A decline in cognitive function caused by the death or malfunction of nerve cells in the brain. Degeneration of nerves in the brain, alcohol abuse and stroke, can cause dementia.
Alzheimer's disease: For reasons that are not clear, nerves in certain areas of the brain degenerate, causing dementia. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia.
Brain Abscess: An infection in the brain, usually caused by bacteria. Antibiotics and surgical drainage are possible treatments for an abscess.

Brain imaging is shown through the following testing methods:
Computed tomography (CT scan) : A scanner sends out many X-rays and the computer converts it into detailed images of the brain and skull.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan): Using radio waves in a magnetic field, a magnetic resonance imaging machine creates very detailed images of the brain and other parts of the head.
Angiography (cerebral angiogram): The doctor will inject contrast dye into a blood vessel and the drug will go into the brain. Thanks to the contrast agent, the images of the arteries will be made more prominent and shown in great detail in the x-ray film.
Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA): is a special scanner to take pictures of the arteries of the brain. An MRA can show a blood clot or other cause of a stroke.

Lumbar puncture (spinal fluid collection): is a method of inserting a needle into the space around the spinal nerves, and removing the cerebrospinal fluid for analysis. Lumbar puncture is usually done if meningitis is suspected.
Electroencephalogram (EEG): Brain activity is monitored through electrodes placed on the skin on the head. An EEG can help diagnose seizures, or other brain problems.
Cognitive disorder test: tests problem solving, short-term memory and other complex brain functions. Usually, neurocognitive testing is done through questionnaires.
Brain biopsy: In rare cases, a small amount of brain tissue is needed to diagnose a brain condition. Brain biopsies are usually only indicated when information is needed for appropriate treatment.

Thrombolysis: Blood clot-busting drugs given intravenously help improve or cure some strokes if given within hours of the onset of symptoms.
Antiplatelet drugs: Brain diseases can be treated with medications like aspirin and clopidogrel (Plavix) that help prevent blood clots. This can reduce the chance of a stroke.
Cholinesterase inhibitors: These drugs may slightly improve brain function in mild or moderate Alzheimer's disease. They do not slow or prevent Alzheimer's disease.
Antibiotics: When there is a bacterial brain infection, antibiotics can kill the microorganisms and increase the ability to cure brain diseases.
Levodopa: A drug that increases dopamine levels in the brain, which is helpful in controlling the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Brain surgery: Brain surgery can cure brain tumors. Brain surgery can be done at any time if increased pressure in the brain threatens brain tissue.
Ventricular catheterization: An endoscope is placed inside the brain (ventricles). Ventricular catheterization is usually done to relieve high pressure on the brain.
Craniotomy: The surgeon drills a hole into the skull to relieve high pressure.

Lumbar drainage: An endoscope is placed into the cerebrospinal fluid around the spinal cord. This can relieve pressure on the brain and spinal cord.
Radiation therapy: If the cancer affects the brain, radiation can relieve symptoms and slow the growth of the cancer.
Periodic health check-ups help to detect diseases early, so that there are treatment plans for optimal results. Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital has general health checkup packages suitable for each age, gender and individual needs of customers with a reasonable price policy, including:
General health checkup package diamond Vip General Health Checkup Package Special General Health Checkup Package Comprehensive General Health Checkup Package Standard General Health Checkup Package

Results of the patient's examination will be returned to the home. After receiving the results of the general health examination, if you detect diseases that require intensive examination and treatment, you can use services from other specialties at the Hospital with quality treatment and services. outstanding customer service.
Customers can call hotlines of hospitals or register for online consultation with Vinmec HERE.

In April & May 2021, when there is a need for examination and treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury at Vinmec Phu Quoc International Hospital, customers will enjoy double incentives:
- Free specialist examination and Received the Rehabilitation Package
- Reduce 50% of the cost for customers with a prescription for post-examination treatment. The program is limited to the corresponding technique of each hospital and to customers who perform this treatment technique for the first time at Vinmec.