The Nervous System Diagnostic Procedures Flashcards
Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis
Laboratory examination of the clear, watery, colorless fluid from within the brain and spinal cord. Infections and the abnormal presence of blood can be detected in this test
Brain Scan
Image of the brain taken after injection of radioactive isotopes into the circulation
Cerebral Angiography
X-ray of the blood vessels of the brain after the injection of radiopaque dye
Echoencephalography
Recording of the ultrasonic echoes of the brain. Useful
in determining abnormal patterns of shifting in the
brain
Myelogram
X-ray record of the spinal cord
Myelography
Injection of radiopaque dye into the spinal canal. An X-ray is then taken to examine the normal and abnormal outlines made by the dye
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
Image of the brain produced by measuring gamma rays emitted from the brain after injecting glucose tagged with positively charged isotopes. Measurement of glucose uptake by the brain tissue indicates how metabolically active the tissue is
Babinski Reflex
Reflex test developed by French neurologist Joseph Babinski to determine lesions and abnormalities in the nervous system. The Babinski reflex is present if the great toe extends instead of flexes when the lateral sole of the foot is stroked. The normal response to this stimulation is flexion of the toe
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Record of the brain’s electrical patterns
Electroencephalography (EEG)
Recording the electrical activity of the brain by placing electrodes at various positions on the scalp. Also used in sleep studies to determine if there is a normal pattern of activity during sleep
Lumbar Puncture (LP)
Puncture with a needle into the lumbar area (usually the fourth intervertebral space) to withdraw fluid for examination and for the injection of anesthesia. Also called ‘spinal puncture’ or ‘spinal tap.’
Nerve Conduction Velocity
Test that measures how fast an impulse travels along a nerve. Can pinpoint an area of nerve damage
