An elongated patient support table (22) with a horizontal patient support surface has a contoured radiolucent table extension assembly (26, 126) connected thereto in cantilever fashion for supporting the head and upper torso of a patient (27). An outer end of the extension assembly (26, 126) has a reduced with compared to the support table (22) to enable extendable movement of the radiolucent extension assembly (26, 126) into a scanning zone defined by a central opening (112) of a diagnostic unit such as a CT scanner (20). The table extension assembly (26, 126) supports the patient (27) via an inboard radiolucent horseshoe headrest (32, 132) and an outer tool support (54, 122) for holding an outer stabilization device (66, 166) such as a radiolucent skull clamp (74, 174). The combination of the support table (22) with the radiolucent table extension assembly (26, 126) and the inner and outer stabilization devices (32, 132, 66, 166) support the patient (27) in a desired position during successive scanning or surgical procedures. With an imaging system (24) operatively connected to the CT scanner (20), the table extension assembly (26, 126) permits a neurosurgeon to conveniently obtain updated images of the scanned region after performing a stereotactic operative procedure, thereby to immediately and easily determine if any follow-up procedures are necessary before closing up the surgical incision.
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