Method and validity of transcranial sonography in movement disorders

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Neurology
• Medical Ultrasound

Background:

• Transcranial sonography (TCS) has advanced significantly for neurodegenerative disorders over 20 years.
• TCS offers unique visualization of brain structures due to its physical imaging principle.
• It provides high-resolution, dynamic imaging of deep brain structures, unaffected by patient movement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of technical requirements for standardized TCS application.
• To offer recommendations for TCS of deep brain structures in movement disorders.
• To discuss the methodological potential, limitations, and validity of TCS.

Main Methods:

• Review of technical requirements and standardized application protocols for TCS.
• Discussion of imaging principles and advantages of TCS compared to other neuroimaging modalities.
• Analysis of TCS's sensitivity and reliability in detecting alterations in brainstem and basal ganglia.

Main Results:

• TCS is sensitive and reliable in detecting disease-specific alterations in brainstem and basal ganglia.
• Key advantages include noninvasivity, bedside availability, low cost, and high-resolution dynamic imaging.
• TCS demonstrates significant potential for diagnosing and monitoring movement disorders.

Conclusions:

• Standardized TCS application is recommended for deep brain structure assessment in movement disorders.
• TCS is a valuable, accessible neuroimaging tool with specific advantages for neurological assessments.
• Future developments in TCS hold promise for further enhancing its diagnostic capabilities.