This development is made by British electrical engineer Godfrey Hounsfield in 1967 (DeJauregui, 100 Medical Milestones 19-22) This time this has one special implication for the specialty of Neuroradiology as the CAT or "computerized axial tomography- scanner is born, in medical terminology the term tomography refers to the ability to view a particular part of the body eliminating views of the x-ray shadows that bones and/or organs throw in front of and behind that view. First generation CAT scanners although primitive were able to provide the first 3D images of the human brain this tool has adversely affected the outcome of patients suffering from head injuries, strokes, tumors, cancers, and other illness and diseases. Cat scanners work by taking rotating slices of x-rays and transmitting them to computers creating the enhanced 3D image, the thinner the slice it is possible to produce a higher quality image and resolution (Garcia, Brian). Second generation CAT scanners greatly improved as did the modern computer, the quality of the image improved in addition to the speed and preciseness which has evolved into today's super processors, combined in hand these prove a powerful tool for today's physicians. The newest generation of CAT scanners bring all of this technology together in conjunction with over 20 years of improvements modern CT scanners are able to produce a far more superior film, part of this is done by a technique referred to as contrast enhancement, this technique involves the administration of a iodinated contrast medium intravenously, as this allows the CAT scanner to help improve the detection any abnormality (Williams and Haughton 250-52). The technique of CAT scans is used frequently in the diagnosis of injury and disease of the brain, such diseases are often notable on a CT film as physiological changes occur within the cranial cavity. One notable change which most commonly occurs is atrophy, the irreversible loss of brain substance that results in enlarged ventricles and sulci (Williams and Haughton 250-52).
