Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures in Neurology

Cerebral Angiography

An X-ray of the blood vessels in the brain, after injecting a contrast medium, to diagnose conditions like a CVA (stroke) and other brain injuries.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

A record of the brain's electrical activity, used to diagnose conditions like epilepsy, sleep disorders, and other neurological issues affecting brain function and consciousness.

Lumbar Puncture (LP); Spinal Tap

Involves inserting a needle between the vertebrae in the lower spine to collect cerebrospinal fluid. It is used to diagnose conditions like meningitis.

Mental Status Exam (MSE)

A comprehensive assessment of a patient's cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functions, including appearance, memory, attention, judgment, and risk of harm to themselves or others.

Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE)

A screening tool to assess cognitive function, particularly for dementia or cognitive impairment. It includes tasks related to attention, memory, and language.

Myelogram

A procedure where an X-ray of the spinal cord is taken after a contrast agent is injected into the spine to diagnose spinal cord disorders.

Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV)

A test that measures the speed at which electrical impulses travel through nerves, helping to diagnose nerve disorders.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

A type of brain scan that uses nuclear medicine and computerized tomography to generate detailed images, often used to diagnose brain conditions like Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy.

Psychiatric Review of Systems (ROS)

A screening method for mental health issues, including cognition, substance use, mood, anxiety, and impulse control.

Reflex Testing

Tests to measure the presence and strength of involuntary muscle reflexes.

Babinski Sign

A reflex in which the toes curl upward when the foot is stimulated. A positive sign could indicate neurological disorders.

Deep Tendon Reflexes (DTRs)

Involuntary muscle contractions tested by tapping tendons in areas like the knee.

Biofeedback

A therapeutic technique that helps individuals gain awareness of their physiological functions (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure) to manage conditions like anxiety and stress.

Carotid Endarterectomy

A surgical procedure to remove fatty deposits from the carotid arteries to prevent a stroke (CVA), which can block blood flow to the brain.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunt

A device surgically implanted to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain's ventricles to the abdomen or heart, commonly used to treat hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain).

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A form of psychotherapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns to improve emotional and mental well-being.

Craniectomy

A surgical procedure where part of the skull is removed to access the brain, typically performed to treat brain swelling.

Craniotomy

A procedure involving an incision into the skull to access the brain, often used for surgery or treatment of brain conditions.

Diskectomy

The surgical removal of a herniated (protruding) disk from the spine to alleviate pain or pressure on nerves.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

A procedure where electrical shocks are applied to the brain to induce convulsions, primarily used for treating severe depression when other treatments fail.

Expressive Arts Therapies

Therapeutic approaches using art, dance, and music to enhance mental and emotional well-being.

Hypnosis

A therapeutic technique that uses focused attention and concentration to control pain and relieve anxiety and stress. Also known as hypnotherapy.

Laminectomy

A surgical procedure in which a part of the vertebra (lamina) is removed to provide access to the spinal cord, often performed to treat a herniated disk.

Light Therapy

A treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) using specialized light that mimics natural sunlight to regulate mood and sleep patterns.

Nerve Block

The injection of an anesthetic to block pain in a specific area, often used in dental or surgical procedures (e.g., Novocain).

Neuroplasty

Surgical repair of damaged nerves to restore function or relieve pain.

Psychotherapy

A treatment for mental health disorders using verbal and nonverbal communication in one-on-one, family, or group settings to achieve therapeutic goals.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery

A form of radiation therapy that focuses high-energy radiation beams on precise areas of the brain, often used for treating inoperable tumors.

Analgesic

Relieves pain (e.g., aspirin, hydrocodone).

Anesthetic

Causes reversible loss of sensation or pain (e.g., local anesthetics like lidocaine).

Antianxiety agent

Reduces feelings of anxiety.

Anticonvulsant

Prevents or relieves convulsions; can also be used for bipolar disorder.

Antidepressant

Treats depression.

Antipsychotic

Treats psychosis, including schizophrenia and related conditions. Can be first-generation (neuroleptics) or second-generation (atypical).

Antipyretic

Lowers fever and prevents febrile seizures.

Anxiolytic

Another term for an antianxiety drug.

Hypnotic

Induces sleep or unconsciousness.

Mood stabilizer

Helps to stabilize emotional highs and lows, often used for bipolar disorder.

Narcotic

In moderate doses, depresses the central nervous system, relieves pain, and induces sleep; in excess, can lead to stupor or coma.

Sedative

Has a soothing or tranquilizing effect.

Stimulant

Increases activity in the nervous system, often used for conditions like ADHD.

Physician Anesthesiologist Role

Administers anesthesia and monitors vital signs during surgery.

Physician Anesthesiologist Education:

Pre-med, 4 years medical school, 4 years residency, optional fellowship, certification from the American Board of Anesthesiology.

Electroneurodiagnostic Technologist Role

Operates equipment to monitor the nervous system and assist in diagnosing conditions like seizures, strokes, and headaches.

Electroneurodiagnostic Technologist Education

High school diploma, associate's degree in related field, accredited 1-2 year program.

Neurosurgeon Role

Performs surgery on the brain and spinal cord to treat nervous system disorders.

Neurosurgeon Education

Bachelor's degree, medical degree, 6-8 years residency.

Mental Health Professional Role

Diagnoses and treats mental health conditions like anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders.

Mental Health Professional Education

Advanced degree (master's, doctorate), licensure, supervised clinical experience.