Nervous System Diagnostics Flashcards
Contrast medium into the femoral artery; radiopaque dye; threaded into the carotid and vertebral artery; NPO prior to exam.
Cerebral Angiography
Evaluates skull and vertebrae for abnormalities, fractures, bone erosions, calcifications, or dislocations.
X-Ray
Provides a cross sectional view of the head and brain. Bone shows white; CSF is black; brain is gray. Shows changes in tissue density, abnormalities in size, shape, and structure. Detects edema, infarction, cysts, growths, clots, bleeding, and skull fracture. Non invasive. With or with contrast medium.
CT Scan
Magnetic field obtains images; diagnostic test of choice; shows soft tissue structures; contraindicated with metal equipment. Non invasive.
MRI
Magnetic resonance angiography; evaluates blow flow and abnormalities and replaces cerebral angiography. Type of MRI.
MRA
Visualizes spinal column and subarachnoid space using a contrast agent; done infrequently.
Myelogram
Lumbar puncture; consent; bedside; lateral recumbent position (fetal); sterile; spinal needle below the L3 (because the cord stops at L1-L2)
CSF analysis
Electrodes placed on scalp with a paste mixture. Electrical activity recorded. 8-22 electrodes on scalp and paste to adhere.diagnoses seizure disorders comatose, and sleep disorders. GLUCOSE (needs to eat prior to testing)
EEG
Needle electrodes are inserted into the skeletal muscle and gives information about nerve conduction to muscles. This is uncomfortable.
EMG
Measures the electrical signals along the nerve pathways. Gives information about transient time. Has 3 categories based on stimulus. Visual, auditory, somatosensory.
Evoked potentials
Carotid duplex that shows stenosis and occlusion and transcranial Doppler of the intracranial blood vessels.
Doppler imaging
3D imaging of organ function; atoms are inhaled; follows pathway to the brain. Evaluates brain flow and metabolism.
PET scan
