Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
Like MRI, MRA is a highly sensitive testing modality that is utilized to image blood vessels. MRA can provide more specific information about the vascular system than other testing modalities, but can be used in conjunction with these modalities at times. MRA can identify vascular problems, including aneurysms, arterial and venous blockages, arterial malformations, and injuries to the blood vessel walls. For more information about MRA, contact us today.
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
An EEG is performed to record electrical activity in the brain. Monitoring equipment can record activity through electrodes placed on the patient’s scalp. The neurologist will measure the patient’s head and put the electrodes on their scalp with a paste-like substance. An EEG usually takes between 30-45 minutes. During the test, the patient’s principal role is to remain still and relaxed. They also may be asked to hyperventilate because the activity can reveal different brain patterns. EEGs help neurologists diagnose various neurological problems, including headaches, dizziness, seizure disorders, strokes, and degenerative brain diseases.
Electromyography/Nerve Conduction Velocities (EMG/NCV)
EMG is a diagnostic procedure offered by Long Island Neurological Consultants used to assess the health of the muscles and nerve cells controlling them. Motor neurons transmit electrical signals that cause the muscles to contract. The EMG translates the signals into sounds, graphs, or numerical values that a specialist will interpret. During an EMG, electrodes are used to detect or transmit electrical signals.
Another part of EMG is a nerve conduction study. This test uses surface electrodes to measure the strength and speed of signals traveling between two or more points.
EMGs can reveal dysfunction in the muscles and nerves or problems with signal transmission between the nerves and muscles. EMG results can help rule out and diagnose conditions like:
- Herniated disc,
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Peripheral Neuropathies
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Muscle Disorders
Carotid Doppler
A carotid doppler is an ultrasound test used to evaluate the carotid arteries in the neck. The carotid arteries supply blood to the brain. This non-invasive exam takes approximately fifteen to thirty minutes. The patient will lay down on a bed, and a technologist will move a flat probe up and down the neck to take images of the carotid arteries.
Transcranial Doppler, Embolic Screening/VasoReactivity Study
These are ultrasound procedures that are used to evaluate the blood vessels in the brain. During the exam, the technologist will apply gel to a flat probe and place it on the patient’s eyelids, temple area, and the back of the neck.
Evoked Potential (EP)
The EP records electrical activity from the brain, spinal nerves, or sensory receptors in response to external stimuli. Surface electrodes are applied to the scalp and other areas of the body. A series of stimuli is introduced while a computer records any neurological responses. Several responses are received, averaged, and amplified by the computer, and the final response is plotted on a graph. The responses are interpreted, looking for waveforms and the time it takes for them to occur.
EPs allow neurologists to evaluate several different neurological issues, including spinal cord injuries, optic neuritis, and acoustic neuroma. Each EP examines different neurological pathways:
- Visual – Visually evoked potentials (VEP) evaluate the visual nervous system from the eyes to the brain’s visual cortex.
- Auditory – Brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAER) assists in evaluating auditory nerve pathways from the ears through the brainstem.
- Somatosensory – SSEPs are used to assess pathways from the nerves in the legs or arms through the spinal cord to the brainstem.
Video Electronystagmography (VNG)
This test assesses balance disorders and dizziness and helps determine whether a patient’s symptoms are of central origin or are peripheral. This test involves the use of video goggles to measure visual responses. These tests document a patient’s ability to follow objects with their eyes and how the eyes respond to information from the vestibular system.
Neurotrax Braincare Cognitive Testing
Neurotrax brain care cognitive testing is a computerized test that assesses whether a patient has any cognitive impairments caused by their neurological/medical conditions. This test offers a high degree of precision in assessing cognitive impairment levels. This test is performed on a computer, and generally ranges from around forty to seventy minutes. Here is what is assessed during this exam:
- Attention
- Orientation
- Executive Function
- Memory
- Verbal Function
- Visual Spatial Perception
- Processing Information
If you have any questions about any upcoming neurological tests and how you should prepare for them, be sure to contact Long Island Neurological Consultants today!