Spine and Brain Pathology Imaging Findings

Tumors, Concussion, and Infections

Advanced Neuroimaging Course in Brain and Spinal Pathology

Course Overview

Spine and Brain Pathology Imaging Findings: Tumors, Concussion, and Infections is an advanced, evidence-based academic program focused on the radiologic identification, differentiation, and clinical interpretation of critical brain and spinal pathology.

This course provides in-depth training in MRI, CT, and advanced neuroimaging modalities as they relate to:

• Intracranial and spinal tumors (benign and malignant)

• Concussion and mild traumatic brain injury (TBI)

• Central nervous system (CNS) and spinal infections

Participants will develop the ability to recognize characteristic imaging patterns, differentiate similar-appearing pathologies, identify subtle red-flag findings, and correlate radiographic evidence with neurological presentation and clinical outcomes.

Emphasis is placed on real-world clinical application, interdisciplinary communication, and diagnostic accuracy.

Who This Course Is Designed For

This advanced program is appropriate for:

• Chiropractors with advanced imaging training

• Physicians and spine specialists

•  Neurology-focused practitioners

• Medical professionals involved in spine and brain care

• Clinicians seeking improved imaging interpretation skills

Clinical Significance

Accurate interpretation of spine and brain imaging is critical for:

• Early tumor detection

• Differentiating primary vs. metastatic lesions

• Identifying subtle traumatic brain injury findings

• Recognizing infectious processes before neurological deterioration

• Determining urgency of referral or surgical intervention

This course strengthens diagnostic confidence while reinforcing evidence-based clinical reasoning and patient safety standards.

Imaging Modalities Covered

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

• Computed Tomography (CT)

• Contrast-enhanced studies

• Advanced neuroimaging techniques (where clinically appropriate)

Participants will learn modality selection, strengths, limitations, and pattern recognition strategies for high-risk pathology.

Core Learning Objectives

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

1. Distinguish Normal vs. Pathological Anatomy

Identify normal neuroanatomy of the brain and spine on MRI and CT and differentiate it from pathological findings.

2. Differentiate Benign and Malignant Tumors

Recognize imaging characteristics of:

• Benign vs. malignant lesions

• Primary vs. secondary tumors

• Intra-axial vs. extra-axial lesions

• Intramedullary vs. extramedullary spinal tumors

3. Identify Metastatic Disease Patterns

Understand common metastatic spread patterns in:

• Brain parenchyma

• Vertebral bodies

• Epidural space

• Leptomeninges

4. Interpret Imaging in Concussion and Mild TBI

Recognize:

• Subtle imaging findings in concussion

• Diffuse axonal injury indicators

• Hemorrhagic vs. non-hemorrhagic lesions

• Delayed or evolving radiologic changes

5. Correlate Traumatic Findings with Clinical Presentation

Differentiate:

• Acute vs. subacute vs. chronic traumatic changes

• Structural injury vs. functional neurological disturbance

• Imaging-negative concussion vs. imaging-positive injury

6. Identify CNS and Spinal Infections

Recognize imaging hallmarks of:

• Discitis

• Osteomyelitis

• Epidural abscess

• Intracranial abscess

• Meningitis

• Post-surgical infection

7. Distinguish Infection vs. Tumor vs. Inflammation

Apply imaging criteria and clinical context to differentiate:

• Neoplastic lesions

• Infectious processes

• Autoimmune or inflammatory pathology

8. Recognize Red-Flag Imaging Findings

Identify urgent findings requiring immediate referral, including:

• Mass effect

• Midline shift

• Cord compression

• Epidural abscess

• Acute hemorrhage

• Rapidly progressive lesions

9. Integrate Imaging with Neurological Examination

Correlate imaging data with:

• Motor deficits

• Sensory changes

• Cranial nerve findings

• Cognitive or behavioral symptoms

• Progressive neurological deterioration

10. Communicate Imaging Findings Effectively

Develop clarity and precision when discussing imaging results with:

• Radiologists

• Neurosurgeons

• Neurologists

• Primary care providers

• Interdisciplinary healthcare teams

Course Goals

1. Develop Advanced Imaging Competency

Build confidence in recognizing and interpreting spine and brain tumors, concussion-related findings, and infectious pathology.

2. Strengthen Clinical Decision-Making

Enhance the ability to correlate imaging findings with:

• Patient history

• Mechanism of injury

• Neurological signs

• Risk factors

3. Improve Recognition of Emergent Conditions

Increase ability to detect red-flag imaging patterns that require urgent medical or surgical intervention.

4. Elevate Interdisciplinary Communication

Improve structured, accurate reporting and collaborative dialogue with medical specialists.

5. Apply Evidence-Based Imaging Knowledge

Use peer-reviewed standards and current imaging science to support:

• Accurate diagnosis

• Risk stratification

• Referral decisions

• Patient safety

• Appropriate management planning

Instructors

Matt Barish, MD, Radiology, Specialties in Abdominal, Gastrointestinal, and Genitourinary Imaging, Northwell Health University

Patricia Roche, DO, Radiology, Neuroradiology, SUNY Stony Brook, School of Medicine 

Candice Perkins, MD, Neurology, Vascular Neurology, NYU Langone

Mark Studin, DC, FPSC, FASBE(c), SUNY Buffalo, School of Medicine, and Cleveland University Kansas City, Chiropractic and Health Sciences