Neuroradiology

Four fellowship-trained neuroradiologists at MCR provide the full spectrum of diacnostic and therapeutic neuroradiology/neurointerventional services for our patients.

Diagnostic Neuroradiology:

Imaging studies of the brain, spine, head and neck are done with CT scans and MR scans, available to inpatients and outpatients at many different facilities. Commonly evaluated diseases include stroke, tumors of the brain, degenerative disease/arthritis of the spine and inflammation of the sinuses. MR scanning can additional be used to search for aneurysms in the head and to evaluate patients with epilepsy. A large number of trauma patients with injuries to the brain and spine are evaluated at Sentara Norfolk General. Additionally, our neuroradiologist perform invasive tests when required, including angiograms of the arteries of the head and neck and myelograms of the spine. When necessary, these tests are performed safely and accurately by physicians with many years and thousands of cases of experience.

Interventional Neuroradiology:

Interventional Neuroradiology (INR) or endovascular surgical neuroradiology as a specialty has undergone rapid evolution during its short existence. Originally developed in the 1980’s by radiologists and neurological surgeons, INR is made possible by dramatic advances in computer technology and state-of-the-art equipment. Essentially, interventional neuroradiology therapies are accomplished through microcatheters inserted in the groin area and, under X-ray guidance, threaded through the blood vessels leading into the brain. Interventional neuroradiologists currently employ minimally invasive procedures to accomplish a wide variety of treatments including:

• Stroke treatment by delivering clot-busting drugs directly to the site of the blockage
• Aneurysm therapy by inserting platinum coils into the aneurysm bulge to prevent clotting and rupture
• Spinal treatments by injecting cement into a fractured vertebra in order to reinforce the bone.

Radiologists:
John Donnal, M.D., Division Chief
John Agola, M.D.
Yoonah Kim, M.D.
John Campbell, M.D.
Karah Lanier, M.D.