NEURODIAGNOSTIC TESTS

Neurodiagnostic tests, or neurodiagnostics, are done when a patient’s illness or condition is thought to be based in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Signs of nervous system disorders include the following:

• Chronic headaches
• Dizziness
• Hearing and vision changes
• Numbness and tingling
• Seizures
• Strokes
• Weakness

Types

The two types of neurodiagnostic testing are:

• Imaging Tests or Scans
  • X-Ray
  • Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) – Uses x-ray technology to produce multiple cross-section images of the brain and nervous system. They also used to identify broken bones, tumors, blood clots, heart disease, and internal bleeding.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI Scan) – Uses a powerful magnet combined with radio waves to examine organs, soft tissues, and skeletal structures. MRI scans are especially valuable in finding brain and spinal cord abnormalities
  • Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan) – Uses radiation from the emission of positrons to create images that can help detect and evaluate cancer and the effects of cancer therapy. This test also can be used to diagnose a variety of neurological conditions, including memory disorders, tumors, and seizure disorders.
• Electrical Impulse Detection 
  • Electroencephalogram (EEG) – A noninvasive procedure used to detect and record brain cell activity. Variations or abnormalities in brain waves may suggest the following:
    • Attention deficit disorders (e.g., ADHD)
    • Seizure disorders (e.g., epilepsy)
    • Tumors or abscesses in the brain
    • Head injury
    • Encephalitis and other inflammatory diseases
    • Cerebral hemorrhages
    • Cerebral infarct (stroke)
    • Sleep disorders
    • Alcohol or drug abuse
    • Migraines (in some cases)
    • Hallucinations
    • Syncope (loss of consciousness)
    • Vertigo

An EEG also is used to confirm brain death in a patient who is in a coma (comatose). This neurodiagnostic test is not used to measure intelligence or diagnose mental illness.

• Electromyography (EMG) – A neurodiagnostic test used to assess the health and function of the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles. It can be used to determine whether muscle weakness and loss of muscle strength are caused by a muscle injury or by an underlying neurological disorder.

EMG can be used to detect many disorders and conditions, including the following:

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease)
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Guillain-Barre Syndrome
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Myasthenia Gravis
• Neuropathy
• Sciatic Nerve Dysfunction