neuro labs & dx - 405

Question 1

PET scan

Answer 1

type of nuclear medicine procedure where a small amount of radioactive substance is used for evaluation of metabolism of an organ (usually brain or heart)
evaluates the physiology of an organ

Question 2

carotid duplex

Answer 2

-for stroke pt
-combines ultrasound and pulsed doppler technology non invasive
-probe is placed over carotid artery and slowly moved across common carotid artery
-frequency of the ultrasound corresponds to blood velocity inc velocity can = stenosis

Question 3

electroencephalogram (EEG)

Answer 3

-measures brain’s electrical activity
-used to assess presence & types of seizures
-withhold stimulants x 8hrs
-non invasive & painless, done at bedside or EEG lab
-clean scalp & apply electrodes
-lasts 20 to 40 mins

Question 4

epilepsy monitoring

Answer 4

-stop all meds
-continuous EEG monitoring
-hopes to find seizure activity & origin

Question 5

electromyography (EMG)

Answer 5

-assesses nerve innervation (for ex w/ ALS & MG)
-slight discomfort when needles are placed

Question 6

myelogram

Answer 6

xray of spinal cord after injection of contract medium inot the subarachnoid space for imaging purposes

Question 7

lumbar puncture

Answer 7

a “spinal tap” is performed to obtain fluid & measurements from CSF

Question 8

lumbar puncture: pre procedure

Answer 8

-empty bladder
-will be placed in lateral recumbent position in fetal position
-placed on a tilt table
-needs consent

Question 9

lumbar puncture: post procedure

Answer 9

-may or may not be required to lay flat fro 1 hr after
-monitor for spinal headache, at first just bed rest & analgesics and then if severe, blood patch & IV caffeine

Question 10

electrophysiological studies

Answer 10

-nerve conduction tests
-measures speed of conduction through a nerve
-repetitive stim & single fiber is used for MG dx

Question 11

evoked potential test

Answer 11

-for MS
-detection electrodes placed on scalp, neck & back
-three types: visual, auditory & sensory

Question 12

evoked potential test: visual

Answer 12

sits before a screen in which checkerboard pattern is displayed (most useful fro dx of MS)

Question 13

evoked potential test: auditory

Answer 13

pt hears a series of clicks in each ear

Question 14

evoked potential test: sensory

Answer 14

short electrical impulses are administered to an arm or leg