Nervous System Diagnostic Tests, (Surgical) Procedures, Therapeutics, and Drug Treatments

Babinski sign

A reflex in which the toes curl upward when the plantar surface (sole) of the foot is stimulated; also known as the Babinski reflex.

cerebral angiography

An X-ray of the blood vessels in the brain after a contrast medium (dye) has been injected; used to diagnose a CVA and other injuries and disorders of the brain.

deep tendon reflexes (DTRs)

Involuntary muscle contractions that occur when the tendons associated with certain areas of the limbs (for example, the patella, or knee) are percussed with a reflex hammer. DTRs are tested during a standard neurological exam.

electroencephalogram (EEG)

A record of the electrical impulses of the brain; used to diagnose neurological conditions that affect brain function and level of consciousness.

lumbar puncture (LP)

The insertion of a needle between two lumbar vertebrae (in the lower spine) to remove a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic evaluation or therapeutic treatment; commonly used to diagnose meningitis; also known as spinal tap.

mental status exam

Screening method that assesses a patient’s appearance, eye contact, consciousness, memory, attention, perception, motor activity, cognitive performance, thoughts, mood, judgment, sensory deficits, as well as whether the patient is a danger to self or others.

mini-mental state exam

Screening method for cognitive impairment and dementia that examines mental functions.

myelogram

A procedure in which an X-ray of the spinal cord is taken after a contrast agent (dye) has been injected into the spine.

nerve condition velocity (NCV)

A procedure in which electrodes are placed on the surface of the body over specific nerve areas and a mild electrical impulse is delivered to the areas.

positron emission tomography (PET)

A procedure that uses nuclear medicine and computerized tomography to generate images of the brain; commonly used to diagnose a CVA, Alzheimer’s disease, and epilepsy; also known as a brain scan.

psychiatric review of symptoms (ROS)

Screening method that detects significant issues or recent changes in nine areas (cognition, psychosis, substance use, mood, neurovegetative, anxiety, eating disorder, violence, and impulse control).

reflex testing

A diagnostic test in which a part of the body is percussed (tapped) with a reflex hammer or other diagnostic stimulus to measure the presence and strength of muscular reflexes.

biofeedback

Therapeutic technique that involves gaining a greater awareness of one’s physiological functions.

carotid endarterectomy

The surgical removal of fatty deposits in one or both carotid arteries (arteries that supply blood to the brain); commonly used to prevent a CVA.

cerebrospinal fluid shunt

A surgically implanted device that drains cerebrospinal fluid in a controlled manner from the brain ventricles to the abdomen or heart; commonly used to treat hydrocephalus.

cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

A form of psychotherapy or mental health counseling wherein the goal is to help the client to gain an improved awareness of negative thought processes and to adopt strategies for counteracting negative thinking.

craniectomy

The surgical removal of part of the skull to gain access to the brain; most commonly used to treat swelling in the brain.

craniotomy

An incision into the skull to gain access to the brain.

diskectomy

The surgical removal of a herniated (protruding) vertebral disk.

electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Electrical shock applied to the brain under medical supervision to trigger convulsions.

expressive arts therapies

Forms of therapy that use expressive arts, such as dance, art, and music, to improve mental and emotional well-being.

hypnosis

Therapeutic technique that involves entering a state of increased focus and concentration.

laminectomy

A procedure in which the vertebral lamina, or the part of the bone that makes up a vertebra in the spine, is surgically removed, allowing access to the spinal cord; commonly used to treat a herniated disk.

light therapy

The use of a specialized light source, which replicates natural sunlight, to treat seasonal affective disorder.

nerve block

The injection of a local or regional anesthetic or anesthesia to prevent pain in an area near a nerve.

neuroplasty

The surgical repair of a nerve.

psychotherapy

A form of treatment for psychiatric disorders that emphasizes verbal and nonverbal communication, in a one-on-one setting or in a group environment, to attain a desired response or action.

stereotactic radiosurgery

A form of radiation therapy in which a specially constructed frame is used to focus beams of radiation toward precise areas of the brain; used to treat inoperable tumors.

analgesic

A drug that relieves pain; includes nonprescription pain relievers, such as aspirin, and prescription pain relievers, such as hydrocodone.

anesthetic

A drug that causes a reversible loss of sensation or pain; used to temporarily deaden pain.

antianxiety agent

A medication used to reduce feelings of anxiety.

anticonvulsant

A drug that prevents or relieves convulsions.

antidepressant

A medication used to treat depression.

antipsychotic

Drug used to treat psychosis.

anxiolytic

An antianxiety drug.

hypnotic

A drug that causes sleep or loss of consciousness.

mood stabilizer

A drug used to balance brain chemicals that control emotional states and behaviors associated with certain mental illnesses.

narcotic

A drug that, in moderate doses, depresses the central nervous system, relieves pain, and induces sleep.

sedative

A drug that produces a soothing or tranquilizing effect.

stimulant

A drug that increases activity in the nervous system.