Neurology inter #1

Radiography

X-ray image with/ without contrast media

Myelography

Contrast X-ray of the spinal canal

Cerebral Angiography

Contrast X-ray of the cerebral arteries, including the internal carotids

Echoencephalography

Ultrasound exam of the brain

Usually done only on newborns, because sound waves do not readily penetrate bone

Computed Tomography (CT)

Transverse sections of the CNS are imaged.

To diagnose strokes, edema, tumor, and hemorrhage

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

adiofrequency pulses in a powerful magnetic field.

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is contrast imaging of the carotid arteries

Brain Scan

Nuclear medicine procedure

Intravenous injection of radioisotopes

Localize and identify intracranial masses, lesions, tumors, or infarcts

Photography is done by a scintillator (scanner)

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Radionuclides used to visualize brain function.

Measurements can be taken of blood flow, volume, and oxygen and glucose uptake,

Assists in diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and stroke.

Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)

Injection of radioactive sugar substance that is metabolized

Brain is then scanned for abnormalities

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Record of electrical activity in brain.

Diagnosis of epilepsy, infection, and coma.

Evoked Potential (EP)

Response from brainstem or cerebral cortex

Produced in response to specific stimulus

Results in distinctive pattern on EEG.

Nerve Conduction Test

Measures conduction time through a nerve

To diagnose polyneuritis.

Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)

• To diagnose or rule out narcolepsy.

• Series of short, daytime naps in the sleep lab 

• Measures daytime sleepiness and how fast the patient falls asleep

Polysomnography

To diagnose sleep apnea.

Measures and records a number of functions while patient is asleep

Cardiac, muscular, brain, ocular, and respiratory functions

Deep Tendon Reflexes

Autonomic motor response

Receptors in tendon carry impulse to spinal cord

Spinal cord stimulates muscles

Tests nerve activity

Babinski Reflex

Response to scraping plantar side (sole) of foot

Negative (healthy) if toes curl down (plantarflex)

Positive (unhealthy) if toes go up (dorsiflex)

Gait Assessment

Analysis of walking motion

Certain motions indicate weakness or paralysis of certain muscles/nerves

Using a tool called the Gait Assessment Rating Scale (GARS)

Lumbar Puncture (LP)

Needle inserted between lumbar vertebrae

Dura mater punctured

CSF aspirated for lab analysis

CSF Analysis

Examination and culture of cerebrospinal fluid

Looking for blood, tumor cells, pathogens (bacteria/viruses)

To diagnose hemorrhage, tumor, infection (meningitis, etc)

Craniectomy

Removal of part of the skull.

For access to brain or to relieve pressure

Craniotomy (trephination)

Hole in skull

To relieve intracranial pressure

CSF Shunt

Tube implanted in brain to relieve pressure of cerebrospinal fluid from hydrocephalus

Stereotaxic Radiosurgery

Surgery using radio waves to destroy tumors

Waves come from multiple angles, meet at tumor

Vagotomy

Cutting a branch of the vagus nerve

Reduces secretion of gastric acid

Ganglionectomy

Removal of a ganglion