Neurologic diagnostic studies Flashcards
describe an EEG electroencephalogram
- safe, painless recording of cortical electrical activity
- 8-16 pairs of electrodes applied to scalp
indications for EEG electroencephalogram
- seizure disorder
- metabolic encephalopathy
- trauma/anoxia
- tumors
- cerebrovascular disease
EEG electroencephalogram rhythm for normal awake adult
- alpha
- 8-12 Hz
contraindications to EEG electroencephalogram
none
what is an Electromyogram (EMG)
- clinical examination of the electrical activity of muscle fibers/motor unit
- define location of problems affecting peripheral nerves
- differentiates primary muscle conditions from muscle weakness caused by neurologic disorders
technique used in Electromyogram (EMG)
- needle electrodes inserted into skeletal muscle to record electrical potentials
- electrical activity of muscle evaluated during
- needle insertion
- spontaneous activity at rest
- slight muscle contraction
- full muscle contraction
indications for Electromyogram (EMG)
- lower motor neuron disease: ALS
- NMJ disease: myasthenia gravis
- muscular disease: myopathy
- peripheral nerve disorders: e.g carpal tunnel, peripheral neuropathy
what are nerve conduction studies
- used to assess rate of conduction and the amplitude of response of peripheral nerves
- electrical stimulation of peripheral nerve will produce muscle contraction or a sensory response
indications for nerve conduction studies
- differentiate
- primary nerve and muscle disorders
- lower motor neuron disease and peripheral neuropathy
- axonopathy (dec amplitude)
- demyelinating process (dec conduction rate)
list indications for plain films
- degenerative disease
- trauma: fx
- malignancy
what imaging is mandatory to rule out hemorrhagic stroke prior to administration of thrombolytic medications
non-contrast head CT
indications for MRI of brain
- tumor
- vascular disease
- inflammation/infection
- multiple sclerosis
which MRI technique reflects uptake of magnetic energy better for normal anatomy
T1
which MRI technique reflects release of magnetic energy better for pathology
T2
diagnostic study of choice for tumors
MRI with gadolinium
recommended imaging for head trauma
CT
recommended imaging for new onset seizure
CT
indications for MRI spine
- radiculopathy
- high impact trauma
- new or progressive deficit
- suspected tumor or infection
- neurogenic claudication
vascular access for angiography is through
femoral vessels
when is angiography of brain indicated
- when definitive anatomy needed
- pre-operative (CEA, aneurysm repair)
what is a myelography
- radiopaque dye injected into thecal space
- xray or CT taken
- *replaced by MRI
contraindications to lumbar puncture
- papilledema
- increased ICP
