Neuroradiology

UCSF neuroradiology also directs the UCSF Precision Spine and Peripheral Nerve Center, where UCSF neuroradiology experts in spinal disease are using advanced imaging tools every day to better diagnose and treat spinal and peripheral nerve disorders and address patient pain in the legs, back, neck and arms. These minimally-invasive treatments such as facet injections or CT nerve block can offer an adjunct and/or alternative to surgical treatments that can afford significant pain relief, return of function, and quality of life. Doctors in and outside of the bay area frequently refer patients with low back or buttock pain or those suffering with pain in the neck so that we can accurately identify the root causes of the pain using imaging and simultaneously treat the pain using image-guided technologies.

The neuroradiologists at UCSF are internationally recognized experts in interpreting studies of the fetal brain and spine. With the expertise of Dr. Orit Glenn and Dr. Jim Barkovich, ours is one of few radiology imaging departments across with experience performing and interpreting complex fetal MRI. We have performed more than 1,100 fetal MRIs since 1996.  We also employ specialized MRI scanner software for fetal MRI that results in improved image quality, faster scans and more precise diagnoses. Expert MR technologists, experienced in imaging pregnant women, strive for excellence and aim to provide a comfortable, safe experience for the patient during the examination.

A. James Barkovich, MD, UCSF Chief of Pediatric Neuroradiology, was the first pediatric neuroradiologist to recognize the value of MRI in assessing pediatric brain disease. This is just one of the reasons why UCSF is known around the world for its expertise in pediatric neuroradiology.  Dr. Barkovich and his research team developed the first very high resolution imaging coils to detect small abnormalities causing seizures in the brains of babies, pioneered pediatric MRI, the imaging of newborns who had suffered brain injury around the time of birth, and developed MRI-compatible incubators to allow sick newborns to undergo MRI scans while being kept warm and monitored by MRI compatible heaters and monitoring devices.  Dr. Barkovich and his group were also among the first radiologists in the United States to do MRI of the brains and spines of the unborn child while still within the uterus, a technology which they have been performing and regularly for more than 15 years and continue to advance. The pediatric neuroradiology team is also very experienced in the use of pediatric CT.