Neurodiagnostic Studies Flashcards
Give the different neurodiagnostic studies (10)
- X-ray
- Spine films
- Computed Tomography (CT scan)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
- Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV)
- Myelography
- Electroencephalography (EEG)
- Lumbar Puncture
- Cerebral Angiography
It provides visualization of the skull. Commonly used diagnostic procedure. It visualized any structure
X-RAY
It is an x-ray visualization of the spine
SPINE FILMS
It uses a narrow x-ray beam to scan body parts in successive layers. The images provide cross-sectional views of the brain, distinguishing differences in tissue densities of the skull, cortex, subcortical structures, and ventricles
For the dxg of suspected hemorrhage, tumor, lesions
CT scan
Most important nursing intervention for X-ray, CT scan, and MRI
Check and remove metallic items
It uses a powerful magnetic field to obtain images of different areas of the body
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
What is an important nursing consideration when using a contrast dye?
Check presence of allergies for IODINE by asking if the pt is allergic to SEAFOOD
Iodine is present in almost all contrast medium. It is important to ask if the pt is allergic to seafood since these are the foods rich iodine.
Seafood allergy = high chances of being allergic to iodine
How long does an MRI last?
30-90 minutes
Purposes of positron emission tomography (PET)
To measure:
- Cerebral blood flow
- Cerebral metabolism
- Metabolic changes in brain
It is a computer-based nuclear imaging technique that produces images of actual organ functioning. The patient either inhales a radioactive gas or is injected with a radioactive substance that emits positively charged particles
- Use of radioactive substance that emit positive electron while CT scan is performed
- Used to measure Cerebral metabolism and cerebral blood flow
- Provides metabolic profile by revealing the rate at which tissues metabolize glucose
POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY (PET)
It records speed of conduction in motor & sensory fibers of peripheral nerves.
- Surface or needle electrodes are placed on the skin over the nerve to stimulate the nerve fibers
- Can be used to detect myasthenia gravis and Parkinson’s Disease
NERVE CONDUCTION VELOCITY (NCV)
It is an x-ray of the spinal subarachnoid space taken after the injection of a contrast agent into the spinal subarachnoid space through a lumbar puncture.
- It detects vertebral disc disease, spinal cord tumor, distortion of the spinal cord
- Introduction of radiopaque solution
- To examine spinal subarachnoid space
MYELOGRAPHY
It measures the electrical activity of the muscle and determines presence of muscle weakness.
It is obtained by inserting needle electrodes into the skeletal muscles to measure changes in the electrical potential of the muscles
ELECTROMYOGRAPHY (EMG)
This medication is contraindicated after a myelography
PHENOTHIAZINE
The amplified activity of the neurons between any two of these electrodes is recorded on continuously moving paper; this record is called the _______
ENCEPHALOGRAM
It records spontaneous electrical impulses/activity of the brain. It is obtained through electrodes applied on the scalp or through microelectrodes placed within the brain tissue. It provides an assessment of cerebral electrical activity.
- To detect & localize abnormal electrical activity occurring in the cerebral cortex (seizure disorders, coma, or organic brain
syndrome.) - Confirmatory for brain death
ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY (EEG)
It is carried out by inserting a needle into the subarachnoid space to withdraw CSF
LUMBAR PUNCTURE
During lumbar puncture, where is the needle inserted?
> L3-L4
L4-L5
L5-S1
What are some nursing considerations during lumbar puncture?
- Encourage cx to void
- Assist cx to a fetal position to widen invertebral space
- Cx lies flat on bed for 6-8 hrs after procedure
- Encourage fluid if not contraindicated
- Headache may develop due to CSF leakage
Normal Values of CSF
-Volume
-Pressure
-Glucose
-Protein
-CSF production
Normal CSF volume = 125-175 ml
Pressure = 0-15 mmHg
Glucose = 50-80 mg/dl
Protein = 20-50 mg/dl
CSF production per day = 500 ml
Intra-arterial injection of contrast medium with simultaneous radiographs of head and neck to visualize intracranial & extracranial vessels
- It can be used to detect aneurysm
CEREBRAL ANGIOGRAPHY
The dilatation of blood vessel wall due to a clot
ANEURYSM
In cerebral angiography, contrast medium can be injected to where?
- Femoral artery
- Brachial artery
- Carotid artery
