What Are the Main Causes of a Brain Aneurysm?

There are a number of different things that can cause an aneurysm. High blood pressure is one of the more common issues due to the stress that it places on arterial walls. Along with that, trauma, arterial fat disorders, and even simply family history can put you at great risk for developing a brain aneurysm.

If you visit a medical professional to discuss a brain aneurysm, they’ll discuss with you some of the most likely causes and try to determine the best course of action from there.

Are There Any Warning Signs of a Brain Aneurysm?

There are a number of symptoms that may indicate the presence of a brain aneurysm, but one of the things that makes aneurysms so pernicious is the fact that they can often go undetected. Symptoms are more likely to occur if you’re suffering from a large aneurysm.

Headaches, neck pain, slurred speech, and blurry vision can all be potential signs of a brain aneurysm. If you experience these symptoms and your medical condition or family history increase your likelihood of developing an aneurysm, you should go to a doctor.

Can You Survive a Brain Aneurysm?

Yes, you can survive with a brain aneurysm, but it’s a very serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately. Brain aneurysm ruptures have a serious fatality rate, and even people who survive the rupture may experience lifelong brain damage.

This is why it’s vital to seek professional medical help if you suspect you may be at risk for an aneurysm rupture.

How Long Can You Live With a Brain Aneurysm?

Assuming the aneurysm doesn’t rupture, the odds of it becoming a problem are favorable. There’s roughly a 1% chance of your aneurysm rupturing.

That said, if the aneurysm does rupture, the statistics are much more grim. You only have a 50% chance of surviving the rupture within a month of the initial event, and you only have a 25% chance of this aneurysm not leading to brain damage.

That’s why it’s important to detect the aneurysm and determine suitable solutions before it ruptures.

Get Neuroradiology Testing in New Jersey

If you’re worried you may have an aneurysm, neuroradiology can help. CT scans and MRI scans can both be used in order to find aneurysms and determine the suitable course of treatment.

If you’re concerned you may have an aneurysm, you need to speak with a medical professional in order to determine your best course of action. Using only the most state of the art techniques, Hudson River Radiology will be able to help you get a better understanding of the situation.

If you have any questions about our facilities or you’re ready to book an appointment, don’t hesitate to call us today at (201) 876-1111. If you’d prefer, you can also book your appointment online.

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What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Your body has two types of veins: deep veins and superficial veins. When thinking about veins, most people usually visualize superficial veins, which are close enough to the skin to be noticeable.

Deep veins, however, are incredibly important, since they carry the majority of blood in a body. Thrombus is another term for a blood clot, so a deep vein thrombosis refers to a blood clot that has formed in your deep vein.

How Serious Is DVT?

Deep vein thrombosis is very serious. If left untreated, it can prevent your lung from getting blood. This is referred to as a pulmonary embolism, and roughly 10% of people who haven’t gotten their DVT treated have a severe case of this.

What Are The Warning Signs of Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Sometimes, you can have a blood clot without realizing it. This is true for deep vein thrombosis, as well as clots throughout the rest of your body.

However, there are a few warning signs you should be vigilant for. As you may expect, most of these occur in your leg. If you’re having any unexplained pains, swelling, redness, tenderness, or warmth in one of your legs, it’s worth going to a doctor to determine if you have DVT.

It’s less common for the symptoms of DVT to affect both legs than it is for them to affect one leg. So if you’re experiencing the pain, swelling, redness or warmth described above in only one leg and you can’t determine the cause, you may be suffering with deep vein thrombosis.

The most serious warning sign is a combination of two different symptoms: pain or swelling in your legs that occurs while you’re also having problems breathing. If this occurs, you should seek a medical professional as soon as possible, since you might be experiencing a pulmonary embolism.

Can DVT Go Away On Its Own?

Over time, your body will gradually break the blood clot and absorb it back into your bloodstream. However, this process can be highly dangerous, since it can lead to a pulmonary embolism.

If you have a blood clot in your legs, you should speak with a medical professional. They will be able to let you know the risks of your deep vein thrombosis, as well as the best treatment methods available to you.

Get Interventional Radiology in New Jersey

Interventional radiology allows you to detect DVT before it’s too late. If you’re looking for interventional radiology in New Jersey, you’ve come to the right place. At Hudson River Radiology, we’re dedicated to ensuring that people have the medical information they need.

If you have any questions about our facilities, or you’re ready to book an appointment, don’t hesitate to reach out to us by calling (201) 876-1111. If you’d prefer, you can also request an appointment online.

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The best way to combat the effects of these diseases and to prevent osteoporosis is knowing how to increase bone mineral density. Fortunately, we created this helpful guide to walk you through the process.

Increase Bone Mineral Density with Physical Activity and Strength Training

Research shows that strength training and resistance exercise has the ability to stimulate your body not only on a muscular level, but a bone level. There is a correlation between the two that can stop the process of losing bone density, or even reverse it. 

Additionally, weight bearing exercises will rebuild strength and coordination, making you more comfortable with your own body weight. This helps in mitigating the risk of falls which pose a risk of fractures and breaks when dealing with osteopenia or osteoporosis. With physical activity, you’re helping your body in more ways than one.

Increased Daily Calcium Intake

As with many things, our health is directly influenced by the food we choose to consume. Another issue that can prevent you from having healthy bones is not getting enough calcium in your diet. You can best absorb calcium by eating things like milk, cheese, leafy greens, or beans throughout the day. 

You should also be eating plenty of vegetables. Not only are they good for your health in other ways, but they can help maintain bone density, and even protect bones from potential damage. Studies indicate that it’s likely the additional vitamin C and potassium that play a role in helping your body remain healthy.

Studies also show that protein, vitamin K-2, vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc will aid bone health. All of these vitamins and minerals can assist the body with maintaining and developing muscular and bone strength. Zinc and magnesium in particular help the body with calcium absorption and prevent bone matter from breaking down.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

This will ideally be achieved when pursuing the first two suggestions mentioned in this article. Being overweight puts additional stress on your bones and can lead to a loss in bone density and increased risk of fractures. 

On the other hand, being underweight seems to put individuals at a higher risk for developing bone density. Being underweight has likely connections to being undernourished and not getting enough vital nutrients.

Reduce Alcohol Consumption

You may really be looking forward to that glass of wine or bourbon, but too much alcohol can affect bone health. The occasional drink won’t set you back, but excessive consumption can dehydrate your body and interfere with the bones’ ability to absorb calcium. Be sure to space out your alcohol consumption and consume things that can help your body more frequently.

Monitor Your Bone Health with Hudson River Radiology

Issues with bone density and health won’t go away overnight. Staving off symptoms of osteopenia and osteoporosis is an ongoing battle and can be made easier with DEXA scans. The experts at Hudson River Radiology will help guide patients through the necessary imaging processes and provide medical advice and recommendation as necessary.

If you’re concerned about bone health and want to inquire about DEXA scans, give us a call today (201) 876-1111. Alternatively, schedule an appointment online and find a time that’s convenient for you.

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Below, we’ll take a quick dive into how an ultrasound works and, therefore, what ultrasound images can reveal about your health.

How Does an Ultrasound Work?

Ultrasound exams are imaging tests that seek to examine the soft tissues underneath the skin. It’s a bit more thorough and can create images of certain body areas that don’t show up as well on a regular x-ray. 

In diagnostic radiology, an ultrasound scan is look for tumors or growths within certain tissues or vital organs. Your radiologist does this by emitting high frequency sound waves to different areas of the body with a device called a transducer. This creates a real time image of what’s happening below the surface.

What Can Be Detected on an Ultrasound

Ultrasounds are most commonly thought of when monitoring the health of a pregnant woman and her unborn child. Radiologist will have their patients lie on the examination table so that they both can watch the abdominal ultrasound in real time. The doctor will be looking for signs of healthy growth, as well as any abnormal signs that could indicate problems with the pregnancy.

Aside from monitoring maternal health, ultrasounds are helpful in locating signs of tissue disease or tumors. These images may not be as detailed as a CT scan or MRI, but ultrasounds can give some patients better peace of mind as they do not use any form of radiation. 

Ultrasounds can locate problems with liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, bladder, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, thyroid, testicular cancer, and more. It may struggle to identify issues with areas like the bowels, as the air and gases can interfere with the image quality.

Additional Types of Ultrasounds

Aside from the abdominal ultrasound, several others have gone on to make use of the same technology. Transvaginal ultrasounds help doctors get a more precise image of issues with the uterus and ovaries. A transrectal ultrasound can assist with diagnosing prostate issues in men. 

More complicated forms of sonography use ultrasound technology such as transesophageal echocardiograms which place the transducer in the esophagus to create images of your heart. Doppler is a type of ultrasound that can help doctors understand how blood flows through your blood vessels. Bone sonography can assist with diagnosing osteoporosis. The amount of information you can gather with ultrasound technology is tremendously helpful in preventing and curing disease.

Benefits of Ultrasounds Over Other Imaging Tests

There are several reasons why a patient or a doctor may prefer to use ultrasounds over CT scans or MRIs. First and foremost, there is zero radiation exposure. Though the radiation is technically safe and low dose in other scans, this is why ultrasounds are used for monitoring pregnancy.

They also tend to be more thorough than x-rays and are more accessible and affordable for patients struggling with health care coverage. All that your doctor may require you to do to prepare for an ultrasound is to fast for a few hours prior. Patients also are often not required to disrobe. 

Ultrasounds Performed by Hudson River Radiology

If a recent doctor visit left you needing a form of ultrasound imaging, come to Hudson River Radiology. We are a team of expert radiologists with a combined knowledge that covers the entire field. We know that medical imaging tests can often bring stress and concerns regarding your health or future, and we do what we can to give our patients the best possible experience.

You can start by requesting an appointment online today. For all other questions or concerns, give us a call today at (201) 876-1111.

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The brain and spine make up the central nervous system, making them extremely delicate and complicated areas of the body. But what exactly does a neuroradiologist do differently and what types of procedures do they practice on patients?

Neuroradiology Uses Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology

Medical schools prepare future neuroradiologists to handle both the diagnosis and treatment of issues pertaining to the head, neck and spine. A diagnostic or interventional radiologist is likely to consult a neuroradiologist to help choose the correct type of imaging examinations when dealing with the nervous system. 

The neuroradiologist can interpret various medical images including CT scans and x-rays to identify brain tumors, aneurysms, or other causes of neurological disease or degradation. Because of their specialization, they’re able to identify issues early and recommend treatment before the issue exacerbates. 

What Are Some Issues Neuroradiologists Treat?

A neuroradiologist is able to identify and treat nervous system issues such as stroke or brain aneurysms. An aneurysm, for example, is when blood vessels experience abnormal growth and risk rupturing and causing internal bleeding. The neuroradiologist employs interventional radiology practices by using magnetic resonance images (MRI) or computed tomography (CT scans) to guide the treatment.

Armed with that information, they can then treat the aneurysm with a procedure that’s as minimally invasive as possible. A specialist will either clip or coil the aneurysm to close it off and prevent bleeding.  

The principles regarding neuroradiological practices are effectively the same as interventional radiology. However, due to the critical nature of the brain and spine, it requires a medical expert dedicated to this specific practice to employ the right course of treatment. Any fractures of the spine or neurological disorders will likely be referred to a neuroradiologist.

What Types of Images Do Neuroradiologists Take?

MRI and CT scans are frequently used in the field of neuroradiology. Spectroscopy tests, for example, are additional scans added to an MRI that test the composition of brain tumors. MR angiography or CT angiography are respective scans that highlight blood vessels and arteries connected to the heart, brain, and lungs. 

Doctors use these specialized images to help locate and better understand blood flow issues or tumors pertaining to the brain or spine. Advanced procedures performed on these vital areas are then referred to a neurosurgeon who can treat the issue with accurate imaging information.

Neuroradiology at Hudson River Radiology

Specialized health issues require an expert in the field. That’s why Hudson River Radiology comprises itself with a variety of radio imaging specialists in the medical field. Medical imaging is useful not only for our neuroradiologists, but for anyone who practices medicine. 

That’s because medical images are some of the best tools experts have to accurately and effectively treat health conditions. Our patients also receive optimal, minimally invasive care, and are able to get back to their lives right away. 

For assistance with neuroradiological imaging, or any other imaging services prescribed by your doctor, call Hudson River Radiology today at (201)-876-1111 to schedule your next appointment.

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The board-certified doctors at Hudson River Radiology want to break down what interventional radiologists do and what procedures they pursue with medical image guidance.

How is Interventional Radiology Different Than Other Fields?

Interventional radiology (IR) goes beyond the act of diagnosing patient health. IR Treatments are image-guided medical and surgical procedures to relieve or cure certain medical conditions. These medical experts receive specialized training in vascular and interventional radiology so that they can utilize MRI, CT scans, and more to complete IR procedures.

Interventional radiology involves minimally invasive image-guided procedures as opposed to resorting to open surgery. Being able to identify the problem and its location allows specialists to create a treatment plan that minimizes risk to the patient, pain, and recovery time. 

What Are Common Interventional Radiology Procedures?

IR procedures are tremendously effective at treating vascular issues pertaining to blood vessels and blood flow, such as blood clots or varicose veins.

Treatments for Vascular Health and More

A deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that exists deep in the leg and can pose a risk of heart attack or stroke if untreated. Interventional radiologists can quickly locate the DVT and employ procedures such as Balloon Angioplasty or Stenting to alleviate the problem.

A balloon angioplasty, for example, sees a surgeon inserting a small device into the artery. A balloon found on the top is then inflated, pushing open the walls of the artery, alleviating that which blocks blood flow. Without radiological imaging, doctors would have to resort to more involved surgery to locate and treat the issue, which poses more risk for the patient.

Interventional radiology is used to treat many other vascular issues such as peripheral arterial disease, vascular malformations, or even kidney stones. It’s also used to treat problems with infertility in women as well as uterine fibroids, noncancerous growths that trigger abdominal pain in females typically 35 years or older. 

Interventional Oncology

Interventional radiologists are instrumental in diagnosing and treating cancer early. They are able to identify almost any type of cancerous tumors located in the lungs, kidneys, or even bones.

They also handle various treatment options for cancerous tumors. Radiofrequency ablation destroys tumor cells by heating them with radio frequencies until they dissipate. You may also be familiar with chemo, or chemoembolization, where a specialized drug is injected through a catheter directly to the affected organ. 

Interventional Radiology Can Save Lives

At Hudson River Radiology, we’re the first step in providing state-of-the-art medical imaging care. Our diagnostic radiology is able to identify whether you have or are at risk for certain health issues. From there, you’ve now learned how interventional radiologists use that information to coordinate the best treatment possible. 

If your family doctor prescribes diagnostic imaging such as an MRI, CT scan, or more, give Hudson River Radiology a call today at (201)-876-1111 to schedule your appointment. We have locations in Wayne, Jersey City, and Union City for your convenience.

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In this article, we want to focus on the various diagnostic radiology procedures, what they entail, and what health problems and diseases they help diagnose.

Diagnostic Radiology Procedures

CT Scans

A CT scan, or computed tomography, utilizes several X-ray images and compiles them into cross-sectional images. These scans can provide detailed information for the diagnosis and treatment of bones, vessels, and soft tissue maladies. 

This form of diagnostic imaging is more thorough than a regular X-ray and can show the locations of fractures, blood clots, tumors, or internal bleeding sites. It uses a small dosage of ionizing radiation. The amount of necessary radiation dramatically fell as imaging technology improved, making CT scans completely safe and risk-free. 

Ultrasound

An ultrasound differs from other imaging procedures because it utilizes sonography instead of radiation. The echoes created by sound waves can provide an accurate image of internal organs and soft tissues. It is the scanning procedure for monitoring pregnant women and the health of unborn children. 

A sonographer will apply a gel-like solution to the skin and scan the area using a generally pain-free device that’s non-invasive. However, some more complicated procedures may utilize an internal transducer. Whenever the device emits soundwaves, it will reflect off internal areas, creating an image of what’s inside. 

DEXA Scan

A DEXA scan investigates the bone mineral density of the patient. Bone density tends to decrease as we age, putting some at risk for bone fractures and poor bone health. Other risk factors can include genetics, lifestyle behaviors such as smoking and drinking, and poor diet and nutrition.

A DEXA scan emits dual X-rays at different energy levels. Both will have a unique absorption rate from the bone. The difference is calculated by removing the absorption rate of the soft tissue, and then comparing the numbers. This difference is then compared to the average bone density of a healthy 25-30-year-old individual. 

If the difference yields a score greater than -1, the diagnostic radiologist can ascertain that the patient has low bone density. A score of -2.5 is an indicator of osteoporosis. The DEXA scan is a noninvasive, quick procedure that can be safely performed multiple times a year. 

MRI

An MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, machine utilizes magnetism and radio waves to create images that can be used to diagnose and treat disease. This information then gets displayed on a computer monitor for the radiologist to interpret. You’ll likely change into a hospital gown. You’ll also need to remove all metal objects and disclose to your doctor if you have any metal implants.

MRI’s can check organs in the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, as well as the health of blood certain blood vessels. It can locate inflammation, tumors, and signs of certain diseases pertaining to the heart, liver, kidney, and bowels.

This procedure utilizes no radiation. Electric components emit radio frequencies toward the body, resulting in energy fluctuations which create images. The patient never sees contact with the current. 

Mammogram

Mammography differs from ultrasound in that it scans for masses that cannot be felt during a physical examination. Both see use in looking for and diagnosing breast cancer. A mammogram is useful for those with less dense breast tissue, but both are often used if illness becomes a genuine concern. 

It is recommended that women regularly receive a mammogram or ultrasound, per the expertise of the radiology, on a regular basis. Breast cancer is a highly treatable form of the disease, so long as it is detected early.

Diagnostic Radiology Procedures by Hudson River Radiology

Hudson River Radiology is a team of radiologist veterans across the field. We only employ state-of-the-art imaging technology to ensure that you receive an accurate diagnosis. We understand that imaging procedures and the reason for them can be uncomfortable. That’s why we take pride in the level of customer care we provide, and readily offer same-day appointments for those in need.

If you are in need of a diagnostic radiology procedure, don’t hesitate to contact us today (201)-876-1111 to schedule your next appointment at one of our locations.

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Below, you’ll learn more about what a DEXA scan is, how it’s performed, and how the results are used to prescribe treatment for patients.

DEXA Scans – Bone Density Scanning

The acronym DEXA stands for ‘Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry.’ The DEXA scan utilizes two x-ray beams to measure the bone mineral density of an area. Each X-Ray possesses a different energy level, which doctors use to calculate a difference in absorption. They subtract the absorption from the soft tissue of your body, and the remainder gives an accurate depiction of bone density.

The DEXA scan takes anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. It provides a micro amount of radiation, making it completely safe to receive up to 4 times in a calendar year. Your radiologist will likely request that you refrain from taking calcium supplements up to 24 hours prior in an effort to obtain accurate results. No other preparations are usually necessary.

What Does a DEXA Scan Check for and Why?

When using a DEXA scan, radiologists are checking for bone mineral density. He or she then compares your bone density to that of an average 30-year-old human being. This is the age that   bones are usually at their strongest. 

Your doctor will give you something called a ‘T-Score’ on your report that describes that comparison. A score of -1 or greater describes average, healthy bone density. Scores lower cite you as having low bone density. Low bone density scores can signify that you are more at risk to break a bone. The World Health Organization cites that a score with a standard deviation score of -2.5 or greater is where doctors should diagnose osteoporosis. 

How Does Osteoporosis Affect Your Health?

Osteoporosis means ‘porous bone.’ When you have poor bone mineral density, the bones are less sound and far more likely to fracture under regular stress. The disease occurs as a result of the body’s resorption of old bone material overcomes its ability form new bone material. The bones utilize calcium and phosphate for the creation process. If you’re calcium-deficient, your bones can become brittle and weak.

Bone density naturally tends to weaken with age, especially among those who lead sedentary lifestyles. Statistically, women overall have the greatest risk factors for developing osteoporosis. Caucasian and Asian individuals are also cited as developing the disease at a higher rate than other demographics. 

Other inherited and lifestyle factors also pose a risk such as genetics, eating disorders, excess alcohol consumption, and smoking. 

How Can a DEXA Scan Help Me with Bone Disease?

If you fall under any of the possible risk factors, are the age of 65 or older, have suffered fractures, or experience pain in the hip and spine, your doctor may call for a DEXA scan. If your doctor is able to diagnose osteopenia or osteoporosis, they can prescribe appropriate treatments to help. 

There is no one-time cure for the disease as there are daily health practices that you’ll need to begin incorporating. Diets should be rich with calcium that comes from dairy, salmon, and other sources. Your doctor will also likely prescribe a high-dosage calcium supplement to take daily. They’ll also work with you to schedule a regular workout plan to promote bone growth. Studies find that those who participate in weight-bearing exercises see a natural increase in bone mineral density.

DEXA Scans by Hudson River Radiology

If your doctor calls for a DEXA scan, come to Hudson River Radiology for your imaging needs. We only utilize state-of-the-art imaging technology and offer caring customer service you won’t find anywhere else. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to request an appointment for your next DEXA scan.

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MRI scanners do not use any form of ionizing radiation that can be damaging to our body, they instead it uses a strong magnetic field to produce an image.

Are There Any Risks?

If you don’t properly prepare for the process, you may damage the machinery. Because the scanner uses a strong magnetic field, the patient will need to remove anything metal that they have on their person. If the machine attracts any external magnetic objects, the machinery can suffer damage.

Foremost, you should discuss with your physician to ensure that a MRI is the best imaging procedure for you to use. If you have any artificial body parts, or are going through chemotherapy, you shouldn’t have an MRI scanning.

Who Can Benefit from A MRI?

If your physician suspects that you may be suffering from an internal illness, an MRI will give a clear picture as to what is going in your head. Taking images of the body including the head, joints, abdomen, legs, etc. can provide incredible contrast. One of the main benefits would be that the MRI accounts for swelling and inflammation in the body that an X-ray cannot provide.

There is a reason why it has been a tried and true method within the healthcare system for years. It gives doctors the information they need to make the correct diagnosis.

Hudson River Radiology

At our locations, the radiologists we have on our teams are experts in providing incredible healthcare support and friendliness to every client that requires our services. From MRI scans to X-ray imaging, we have everything you’re looking for in an outpatient service.

If you need imaging services in New Jersey, we’re the place to call. We’d love to hear from you and discuss how imaging is vital in detecting and diagnosing potential medical conditions.

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What Are the Benefits of Screening Mammograms?

Early detection of breast cancer means that treatment can be used early on, hopefully before it has spread. Breast cancer, like others, can go undetected, and cause preventable catastrophe for women.

Currently, the guideline for annual mammograms should begin when a woman is in her mid to late 40’s. A lot of changes are happening within your body, and to ensure that your mammary health is on track, mammograms are not to be taken lightly.

How Is a Mammogram Done?

When you go in for your appointment, you’ll stand in front of the machine and a technologist will place your breast onto a plate. From above, another plater will be placed firmly on top of your breast to flatten it while the X-ray is being taken.

You will feel pressure and will be cross-referenced with images of other angles of your breasts. From there, the doctor will be able to look at the images and detect if anything resembling a benign or malignant tumor is present.

Maintain Proper Breast Health

If you have a family history with breast cancer, then it is advantageous to start getting exams early on. Although it may not occur in your body, you are at a higher risk because of the medical history. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the earlier the treatment process can begin.

Everyone hopes for the best, and that initially starts with the imaging. Before you come in for your appointment, keep in mind that if you switch from a previous physician, it’s beneficial to bring older medical records as reference.

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