In order to further improve the impact of the continuously evolving neurointerventional techniques, the interventional neuroradiologist needs to have at his disposal more powerful techniques to image the central nervous system. With the recent development of diagnostics techniques that are computed tomography and magnetic resonance based we are now able to assess not just morphology, but also physiology, physiopathology and function. This review discusses the place of diagnostic techniques in the evaluation that the interventional neuroradiologist hast to make when confronted with patients. We provide an overview of current techniques for the brain and spine.