Neurological Testing is Unique to the Individual
Neurological testing begins with a comprehensive patient exam which is divided into multiple parts; mental status, cranial nerves, motor reflex, sensory, coordination, and gait. These evaluations are generally painless and non-invasive. Our neurologist may require further testing to diagnose and treat your condition.
Neurological Testing Then Includes:
- An electromyogram (EMG) with nerve conductions (NCV) to test the communication between a nerve and the muscle. This is done by placing an electrode on your skin and apply small currents or by inserting a small needle into the various muscles.
- Brain and spine imaging via CT, MRI, PET, X-ray, or ultrasound to check blood vessels, bones, nerves, and disks. If abnormalities are present the imaging will determine size, shape, placement, and severity. Narrowing and compression of bodily structures can be seen. Also, abnormal flows of blood and spinal fluid may be seen.
- Blood and urine tests to determine if infections, toxins, protein disorders, or other disorders of metabolism are present.
- Skin Biopsy can help diagnose the presence of small fiber neuropathy by measuring under a microscope the nerve fiber density in the skin and sweat glands within the skin.
- A spinal tap or lumbar puncture (LP) will take a small amount of fluid from your spine to look for blood, infection, or other abnormalities.
- Muscle or nerve biopsies look for signs of certain neuromuscular disorders. A small amount of tissue from a muscle or a nerve is taken and surveyed under a microscope.
- An electroencephalograph, or EEG, to study your brain function. This is especially important if you’re having seizures. Small, sticky patches called electrodes are put on your scalp, and connected to a machine that records the electrical activity in your brain.
- Evoked potentials are a series of tests used to measure your brain’s response to audio stimulation, vision, or sensory perception. The testing will use sounds, flashes of lights, or small currents to see how your brain responds.
- Tensilon tests can help diagnose weak muscles in a condition known as myasthenia gravis. Your doctor will administer a medicine called edrophonium (Tensilon) to see if it strengthens certain muscles and /or temporarily relieves muscle weakness.