MRI and CE-MRA have some advantages to CT in diagnosis of the VBI.

MRI is more sensitive than CT to posterior circulation infarcts, particularly in the brainstem.Some research believe that MRI is better than CT for detection of acute ischaemia, and can detect acute and chronic haemorrhage; therefore it should be the preferred test for accurate diagnosis of patients with suspected acute stroke. ^[1] The CE-MRA(Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography)had the highest sensitivity and specificity compared against the gold standard of intra-arterial angiography. CE-MRA offers better visualisation of the extracranial vertebral system than non-contrast MRA.Some research believe that MRI is better than CT for detection of acute ischaemia, and can detect acute and chronic haemorrhage; therefore it should be the preferred test for accurate diagnosis of patients with suspected acute stroke.