Neurological symptoms can appear suddenly and cause alarm, especially when they're severe or unexpected. Symptoms like intense headaches, vision disturbances, or sudden speech problems can signal serious underlying conditions. Recognizing these signs and knowing when to seek emergency medical attention is critical.
At Smart Scan Medical Imaging our fellowship-trained neuroradiologists use advanced MRI, CT, and ultrasound to accurately diagnose brain and nerve conditions. With locations in Eau Claire, Wausau, Madison, and now Milwaukee, we offer high-field (3T and 1.5T) Wide Bore MRI scanners, including a Siemens 3T Wide Bore MRI at our Milwaukee center for exceptional image quality and comfort.
Below are six important signs that may require brain imaging. However, these symptoms should always be treated as medical emergencies. If you experience any of the following, call 911 or go to the nearest ER immediately. Once stabilized, your doctor may refer you to Smart Scan for follow-up outpatient imaging.
1. Sudden, Severe Headaches
A sudden and severe headache—often described as 'the worst headache of your life'—can indicate bleeding in or around the brain, such as a ruptured aneurysm or hemorrhagic stroke. Immediate medical imaging is critical to quickly identify and treat these potentially life-threatening conditions.
2. Seizures or Convulsions
Seizures, particularly when they occur without prior history, can be signs of neurological conditions like epilepsy, brain tumors, or stroke.MRI brain scans can pinpoint the area of the brain triggering seizures, aiding rapid diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
3. Sudden Weakness, Numbness, or Paralysis
Experiencing sudden numbness, weakness, or paralysis—especially affecting one side of your body—could signal a stroke. Immediate brain imaging techniques, such as a CT or MRI scan, can determine if a stroke has occurred, guiding urgent interventions.
4. Changes in Vision or Sudden Vision Loss
Rapid changes in your vision, including blurriness, double vision, or sudden loss of sight in one or both eyes, can indicate a neurological emergency. Conditions such as a stroke affecting visual pathways, optic neuritis, or increased intracranial pressure require immediate evaluation with a brain scan test.
5. Difficulty Speaking or Understanding Speech
Sudden difficulty speaking clearly, slurred speech, or trouble comprehending language could signal a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Rapid imaging through CT or MRI can confirm diagnosis quickly, significantly improving chances for effective treatment.
6. Sudden Confusion or Changes in Mental Status
Sudden confusion, extreme drowsiness, or disorientation are concerning signs that the brain is experiencing significant stress. Conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, or brain infections require immediate imaging for a precise diagnosis.
Urgent vs. Non-Urgent Brain Scans
Not every neurological symptom requires emergency imaging. Mild or chronic symptoms—such as occasional headaches, gradual memory changes, or long-standing dizziness—are usually evaluated with a scheduled outpatient brain scan test as part of routine care.
However, sudden or severe symptoms like those listed above should be treated as emergencies. Once a patient is stabilized, Smart Scan can provide advanced imaging as part of your provider’s diagnostic plan.
Types of Brain Scans for Rapid Diagnosis
At Smart Scan Medical Imaging, we offer a range of advanced imaging techniques to help physicians evaluate neurological conditions accurately and efficiently. These scans are typically performed on an outpatient basis following a provider’s recommendation and are not intended for emergency care.
- CT (Computed Tomography): Available at our Milwaukee center, CT scans are fast and highly effective for evaluating trauma, bleeding, or stroke-related changes after emergency care has been provided.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Produces high-resolution images of brain tissue, nerves, and blood vessels without radiation. MRI is ideal for detecting tumors, multiple sclerosis lesions, or subtle abnormalities not always visible on CT.
- Ultrasound: Also offered at our Milwaukee location, ultrasound is used to assess vascular and soft tissue conditions, particularly when radiation-free imaging is preferred.
Across our locations in Eau Claire, Wausau, Madison, and Milwaukee, we offer state-of-the-art high-field (3T and 1.5T) Wide Bore MRI scanners, including a Siemens 3T Wide Bore MRI in Milwaukee and GE Voyager 1.5T scanners in other centers—ensuring both advanced image quality and a more comfortable experience for patients.
How Brain Imaging Aids Rapid Diagnosis
While hospitals provide emergency imaging, outpatient brain scans play a critical role in follow-up care, diagnosis confirmation, and treatment planning for:
- Brain tumors
- Epilepsy
- Traumatic brain injury
- Multiple sclerosis
- Neurodegenerative diseases
Whether that means administering clot-busting medication, planning surgery, or addressing other urgent medical needs. Early imaging is often the key to improving survival rates and reducing long-term complications.
When to Seek Emergency Care Immediately
Certain neurological symptoms require prompt evaluation in an emergency room. Call 911 or go to the nearest ER if you or someone you know experiences:
- A sudden, severe headache that comes on quickly
- Abrupt weakness, numbness, or paralysis—especially on one side of the body
- Sudden vision changes or loss of sight in one or both eyes
- New confusion, difficulty speaking, or trouble understanding speech
- Seizures or loss of consciousness
These signs may indicate a serious condition, such as a stroke or brain bleed, that requires immediate brain imaging and treatment to prevent permanent damage or save a life.
How Smart Scan Medical Imaging Can Help
At Smart Scan, we know how overwhelming neurological symptoms can be—especially when answers are unclear. That’s why we prioritize timely, accurate diagnoses using the most advanced brain imaging techniques available.
Our patients across Eau Claire, Wausau, and Madison trust Smart Scan because we provide:
- Fellowship-trained neuroradiologists with specialized expertise in brain and nervous system imaging.
- Advanced MRI brain scans using high-field MRI scanners, including the GE Voyager 1.5T and the Siemens 3T Wide Bore MRI at our Milwaukee center.
- Clear communication and patient-centered care, ensuring you understand every step of the process.
- Flexible scheduling, including same-day and next-day appointments to provide answers when you need them most.
- Transparent pricing and payment options so you know what to expect before your scan.
Smart Scan supports your care team with fast, reliable outpatient brain imaging—after you’ve received any necessary emergency treatment. We work closely with providers to deliver the diagnostic insights needed for effective follow-up and care planning.
Don't Wait—Immediate Imaging Saves Lives
Recognizing critical neurological warning signs early and seeking rapid imaging can be life-saving. Smart Scan Medical Imaging offers rapid, detailed brain imaging to diagnose serious conditions quickly and accurately.
Schedule your appointment online or call us at (855) 694-3300 to receive expert neuroradiology care and peace of mind in Wisconsin.
