What imaging technique is commonly used to visualize structural anomalies in the brain?

The CT scan is an imaging technique widely utilized for visualizing structural anomalies in the brain because it provides detailed cross-sectional images that can reveal the presence of tumors, hemorrhages, fractures, and other abnormalities. The advantages of CT scans include their rapid acquisition time and effectiveness in capturing a wide variety of conditions, making them particularly useful in emergency situations.

In pediatric neurology, CT scans are often the first-line imaging modality used when an urgent evaluation of potential intracranial pathology is required. They are also helpful in assessing conditions like hydrocephalus or congenital malformations. The ability of CT scans to differentiate between various types of tissue densities significantly aids in identifying structural changes in the brain.

Other imaging modalities, such as MRI, are also used in pediatric neurology for detailed soft tissue assessment; however, the question specifically asks for visualization of structural anomalies, which CT scans excel at due to their speed and efficiency in initial assessments.