The Most Common Neurological Procedures Followed to Treat Patients

by Apollo Hospitals Delhi Touching Lives

The nervous system is one of the most complex parts of the human body. Therefore, it is understood that it is complicated to recognise a neurological problem when it arises. Neurologists are trained to identify the cause, diagnose and treat neurological disorders. These are often diagnosed with the tests listed below.

 1.  Neurological Exam

Neurological exams are a series of tests to gauge a patient’s mental status, mood, behaviour and motor and sensory skills. This also involves testing the cranial nerves and the autonomic nervous system. These tests include the following:

Mental Status

A neurologist may ask a patient to draw certain shapes, memorise a list of items and perform simple tasks like naming objects and telling the date, place and time. Tests may also be performed to gauge mood, behaviour, judgement, reasoning and verbal and mathematical abilities.

 Reflexes

Reflexes are tested by tapping a rubber hammer on certain parts of the body and observing the reaction to this stimulus.

 Balance and coordination

A neurologist may test balance by asking a patient to place one foot in front of the other and walk in a straight line. Touching the nose with closed eyes is a test for coordination.

 Sensation

Heat, cold and pain could be some sensations a neurologist could ask a patient to identify. These could be done by touching tuning forks, blunt needles or alcohol swabs to certain areas of the body.

        Cranial nerves

Neurological disorders affecting the cranial nerves can impair the organs in the face, head and neck. Hearing, vision and smell tests, speaking with the tongue out, and observing the movement of the head from side to side are some of the common tests to diagnose neurological problems in cranial nerves.

        Autonomic nervous system

Blood pressure, pulse and heart rate checks are done to diagnose problems with the autonomous nervous system. Neurologists may even check pupil dilation under light and the ability to sweat.  

2.   CT scans

Computer topography (CT) scans can provide cross sectional images of the brain and spine to reveal abnormalities that could be the cause of neurological problems. 

3.   Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI scans can reveal problems in the brain and spinal cord by producing detailed images. This is one of the most common imaging techniques used to diagnose cerebrovascular diseases, tumors and cancers, infections, neurodegenerative disorders and more. A contrast dye may be injected into the bloodstream to enhance the visibility of target areas. 

4.   Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

PET scans show 2D and 3D images of the brain to detect abnormalities in the brain tissue. It can even detect subtle changes in the brain’s cells. PET scans are used to diagnose cancerous cells and tumours, show blood flow, evaluate patients with epilepsy, etc. PET scans require a mild radioactive isotope to be injected into the body in order to highlight target areas on the scan. 

5.   Electroencephalogram (EEG)

EEG records the brain's impulses through electrodes connected to the head. Neurologists can measure a patient’s brain activity while they are awake or asleep. 

6.   Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV)

NCV tests require electrodes to be placed on the skin in order to stimulate and examine the impulses passing through the peripheral nervous system. 

7.   Spinal Tap / Lumbar Puncture

Lumbar puncture is used to gauge the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure and even collect samples to look for infections and disorders of the brain and spine. This is done by inserting a needle into the spinal canal in the lower back. 

8.   Arteriogram

Arteriograms are X-rays of the blood vessels. A contrast dye is injected into an artery and highlights the arteries, vein and capillaries in the brain. This can be used to diagnose aneurysms, stenosis, atherosclerosis, thrombosis etc. 

9.   Electromyography (EMG)

EMG tests are done to evaluate the health of the muscles and motor neurons. This involves inserting needle electrodes into the muscle tissue to measure muscle activity when contracted and relaxed. 

10.  Neurosonography

This test uses high frequency sound waves to create images of the blood vessels and tissues in the brain. This can be used to diagnose cerebrovascular diseases like stroke. 

Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals excels in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders. Some of the best neuro physicians in Delhi NCR are part of our Department of Neurosciences. Our state-of-the-art radiological, electrophysiological and laboratory services ensure that even the most complex of neurological disorders are diagnosed with precision. 

Click the link to know more about our neurology services or to book an appointment today. 

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Created on Jul 1st 2021 00:54. Viewed 274 times.

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