Medical Procedures/Testing for Neurological Dysfunction

Question 1

Cerebral Angiography

Answer 1

• [Invasive Procedure] that can determine the narrowing or blockage of an artery within the brain
• Used for diagnosing potential: CVA, brain tumor, aneurysm or vascular malformation

Procedure:
- Catheter threaded up the body through an artery in the neck
- Contrast dye released
- X-Rays Taken

Question 2

Computed Tomography (CT)

Answer 2

(Typically) Non-Invasive

• Provides cross-sections of 2D views of bones, tissues and organs
• CT scan required to rule out: Vascular malformation, tumors, cysts, herniated discs, Hemorrhage, epilepsy, encephalitis, spinal stenosis, intracranial bleeding, and head injury

Question 3

Discography

Answer 3

Invasive Procedure

• Used to evaluate the integrity and pathology of spinal disc
• Contrast Dye injected and CT scan is performed

Question 4

Electroencephalopathy (EEG)

Answer 4

Non-Invasive Procedure

• Used to continuously measure electrical activity of the brain using multiple electrodes attached to the skull

EEG is used to rule out:
- seizure disorders *
- brain death *
- brain tumors
- brain damage
- inflammation
- alcoholism
- others

Question 5

Electromyography (EMG)

Answer 5

Invasive Procedure

• Used to assess nerve and muscle dysfunction or spinal cord disease
• Used to record the electrical activity from the brain or spinal cord to the peripheral nerve root to be tested

EMG is used to rule out:
- muscle pathology
- nerve pathology
- spinal cord disease
- Denervated muscle
- Lower motor neuron injury

Question 6

Evoked Potentials

Answer 6

Non-Invasive Procedure

• Using two sets of electrodes that records the time it takes for an impulse to reach the brain

Used to Rule Out:
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Brain Tumors
- Acoustic Neuroma
- Spinal Cord Injury

Question 7

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Answer 7

Typically Non- Invasive

• Provides detailed images including tissues, organs, bones and nerves
• Contrast dye may be used to enhance the image of certain tissues

Used to Rule Out:
- Tumors of the brain or spinal cord
- MS
- Head Trauma

Question 8

Myelography

Answer 8

[Invasive Procedure] of the spinal cord

• Uses contras dye and x-ray imaging
• produces a high risk for head aches after the spinal tap

Used to Rule Out:
- potential abnormalities of the subarachnoid space
- spinal nerve injury

Question 9

Nerve Conduction Velocity

Answer 9

NON-Invasive

• Stimulation of a peripheral nerve to determine the nerve action potential and nerves ability to send a signal

Used to Rule Out:
- Peripheral Neuropathies
- CTS
- Demyelination Pathologies
- Peripheral Nerve Compression

Question 10

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Answer 10

Provide 2 and 3D pictures of brain activity

Used to Rule Out
- cerebral circulatory pathologies
- metabolism dysfunction
- tumors
- blood flow

Question 11

Spinal Puncture (LUMBAR)

Answer 11

Invasive Procedure

• inserts a needle through lumbar puncture

BELOW level of L1-L2 for CSF sample
- this is most commonly performed at level L3-L4

Used to Rule Out:
- hemorrhage
- inflammation
- infection
- meningitis
- tumor