Wayne E Anderson DO A Medical Corporation
Board Certified Neurology
Board Certified Pain Management
Various studies are available for neurological, headache or pain diagnosis. The most important diagnostic study is the physical examination. The other studies are used to confirm the suspected diagnosis. Some of these studies might be appropriate for one condition but not for another. Although there are several other studies and tests that can be performed, the following are perhaps the most common ones. As part of the medical treatment and reassessment cycle, it is important to not only make the diagnosis but also to refine the diagnosis as more information becomes available.
EEG - electroencephalography: This study shows brain activity as it happens, just like an EKG shows heart activity. This study is important when questions arise as to the function of the brain. EEGs are performed for many conditions from seizures to memory loss. Additional information about the various findings in EEG can be found at the eMedicine website.
EMG/NCV - electromyography: This study comprises two components, a needle EMG study and an electric nerve conduction study. This study is important when questions arise as to the function of the nerves and muscles, especially in cases of nerve pinching such as spine disc disease, carpal tunnel and other nerve or muscle conditions. Additional information about the various findings in EMG can be found at the eMedicine website.
Lumbar puncture - CSF analysis: This study involves taking a sample of spinal fluid for analysis. Because the spinal fluid is separate from blood, when there is a question of infection or inflammation in the central nervous system, this study can help determine whether a problem exists, and if so, what the problem may be. Click here to read a basic review of lumbar puncture at another website.
Computed Tomography - CT scan or CAT scan: This study involves computer manipulation of regular X-rays. The CT scanner contains an X-ray machine. The machine takes several X-rays in a row and the computer helps assemble them into a very detailed picture. In neurology, a CT scan is important because it is very rapid and can show serious and life threatening brain events such as brain hemorrhage. The Wikipedia website has a good overview of CT.
MRI - magnetic resonance imaging: This study involves using magnetic pulses to create a very detailed image of the body part being investigated. A neurologist typically orders MRIs of the brain or spine, although many body parts can be imaged. The Wikipedia entry on MRI provides a good overview of the procedure and its purposes.
Injections for diagnosis: Although many patients think of injections as treating the problem, injections also can be performed in a manner that helps provide the diagnosis.
Discography: This study can help demonstrate spine disease when other studies fail to show anything or when there is a question as to which spinal segment is causing the problem. Discography has been a controversial procedure for much of its existence. There are both good arguments for and against the procedure. A review of the procedure can be found at the eMedicine website.
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DIAGNOSIS
There are several studies that can help confirm the diagnosis. These studies include injections, EEG, EMG, NCV, labs, lumbar puncture, MRI and other imaging and discography. There are several other studies as well.
Lumbar puncture - CSF analysis
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