What Procedures Can Neurologists Do

A variety of tests and procedures are used by neurologists to diagnose and treat neurological disorders.

A neurologist may use a lumbar puncture to take a sample from the spinal fluid. This procedure may be used to help diagnose these conditions.

•                    Meningitis

•                    Encephalitis

•                    Inflammation Of The Spinal Cord

•                    Leukemia

•                    Autoimmune Diseases Such As MS

•                    Dementia

•                    Bleeding In The Brain

To treat spinal cord conditions, neurologists may also perform a lumbar puncture. They can inject anesthetics, antibiotics, or a specially trained technician inserts tiny needles called electrodes into muscle during an EMG. These electrodes measure the electrical activity in muscle tissue when it is moving and resting.

An electromyogram is an electronic record of the activity produced by the EMG machine.

An EMG can be used by neurologists to diagnose neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia Gravis and ALS.

Electroencephalogram

An EEGdetects electrical impulses that brain neurons send to other neurons. An EEG can also detect brain wave patterns.

An EEG is performed by a technician who places electrodes on the head of the patient. These electrodes are connected to a computer, which converts electrical signals into patterns the technician can see on a screen or print onto a piece of paper.

EEG results can be used by neurologists to diagnose abnormal brain activity and other conditions such as:

•                    Epilepsy

•                    Seizures

•                    Brain Tumors

•                    Sleep Problems

•                    Unresponsiveness Or Coma

•                    Tensilon

Myasthenia Gravis is a rare neurological disease that causes weakness in the legs and arms. To diagnose myasthenia gravies, a neurologist can use the Tensilon test.

Tensilon refers to a drug called Edrophonium. It prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine which is a neurotransmitter that stimulates muscles movement.

Myasthenia Gravis is a condition in which the immune system attacks acetylcholine receptors within the muscles. This causes muscle fatigue and reduced muscle movement.

A neurologist injects a small amount of Tensilon into the bloodstream during a Tensilon Test. To determine if the muscle strength has improved, they will ask the patient to perform various movements.

Each time the patient feels tired, the neurologist will continue to administer Tensilon doses. Tensilon injections can cause a person to feel stronger, which is a sign that they have myasthenia gravies.

Other Tests

To diagnose neurological disorders, a neurologist can use the following test.

•                    Imaging Tests, Such As Biopsy

•                    Angiography

How Does A Neurologist Treat You On Your First Visit To The Clinic?

A neurological examwill include tests to assess muscle strength, coordination, memory, vision and eye health. Although the tests aren't painful, they can cause mild discomfort.

For their first neurological appointment, patients will not be required to bring anything. The neurologist may be involved in the appointment

Ask about your symptoms, current and past medical conditions, or any medications.

You can check for signs of illness by looking at a person's posture and walking.

Perform a physical exam to take pulse and blood pressure measurements and listen to your lungs and heart.

Asking about bowel movements, and the passing of urine can help you determine how functional your autonomic nervous systems are.

South Valley Neurologycan then conduct several assessments after the initial examination.

Brain Nerve Tests:These tests assess brain function and can cause problems with the senses. People might need to recognize certain smells or identify numbers and letters in an eye test.

Motor Skills And Coordination Tests:A neurologist might ask you to turn around, move your limbs in a certain way, tap your fingers, or write. A reflex test may be performed to determine if the person is responding.

Stimulation Tests:A neurologist may test how people react to stimuli such as the touch of soft fabric or containers containing warm or cold liquids.

Cognitive Ability Testing:A neurologist might ask about people's jobs, dates, and years to test their memory. Math and language tests can be used to test concentration. Although some cognitive skills tests, such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)and the mini-mental status examination (MMSE), are not considered standard, a neurologist can perform them if a person shows signs of cognitive impairment.