Situations in which brain imaging is mandatory, with magnetic resonance imaging generally being preferred modality
| Symptom or sign | Why imaging mandatory |
|---|---|
| Localising signs on neurological exam | Identify focal pathology and/or exclude space-occupying lesion |
| New-onset seizures | Identify focal pathology and/or exclude space-occupying lesion |
| Cognitive impairment excessive and/or atypical for psychiatric condition (and not explained by delirium, intoxication, etc) | Assist in identification of potential neurological or degenerative cause |
| Possible encephalitis (eg pyrexia, headache, seizures, cognitive impairment) | Visualise inflammation, assist in exclusion of other potential causes of symptoms |
| Possible fall, cognitive impairment, vulnerability factors such as anticoagulation or alcoholism | Exclude subdural haematoma |