The Modern Clinical Neuroimager: Leading the Next Generation in Stroke

The recent culmination of imaging-endowed endovascular stroke trials has decisively proven the utility of clinically relevant neuroimaging in improving the outcome of patients with potentially debilitating neurological disorders. These large multicenter trials conducted across several continents notably utilized a variety of multimodal CT/MRI modalities to rapidly identify a favorable collateral profile that presages clinically beneficial revascularization. The modern clinical neuroimager may accelerate complex decision-making through the rational use of a variety of imaging modalities and an active feedback loop of imaging at the bedside. The modern clinical neuroimager is often the initial care provider for a wide range or type of stroke patients from hemorrhage to ischemia, armed with the incredibly important aspects of clinical history and examination findings and best poised to utilize imaging to guide therapy from acute stroke to recovery and prevention. The next generation in stroke should not exclusively focus on whether to order a CT or MRI counting minutes at the bedside, but actively and efficiently integrate the vast wealth of information available when imaging is used in the proper clinical context. The novel endovascular era in stroke provides an ideal venue for the synergistic goals of translating research advances, improving patient outcomes and ongoing education as a modern neuroimager.