Neuroimaging advances and the transformation of acute stroke care

Neuroimaging techniques have transformed the delivery of stroke care. Multimodal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging rapidly illustrate the vascular and parenchymal correlates in acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Optimal selection of thrombolytic candidates and the characterization of ischemic sequelae may be achieved with imaging. The nature and topography of intracerebral hemorrhage may also be defined. Increasing use of multimodal imaging in acute stroke has expanded our current understanding of stroke pathophysiology and streamlined the care of stroke patients from the hyperacute to chronic phases. The integration of neuroimaging techniques in research studies has elucidated pitfalls in the translation of novel therapy into clinical practice. This review explores the impact of neuroimaging advances in stroke and emphasizes the critical role of these modalities in the care of patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic events.