Neurological Services

 

Electroencephalography
(EEG)

The electroencephalograph (EEG) is the primary test used to diagnose seizures and epilepsy. The EEG detects and records the electrical activity in the brain through the use of electrodes. Electrodes are small metal discs with thin wires that run to a machine. During an EEG 18 electrodes are pasted to the scalp with special glue that washes out easily. These electrodes are able to detect the electrical activity within the brain and record it on a computer monitor or paper.


The EEG is a painless test. The morning of the test, you should wash your hair using shampoo only, but do not use hair sprays or gels. Your hair should be clean and oil free. The technician will place the electrodes on your scalp and ask you to sit or lie quietly with your eyes closed. The electrical activity of the brain is recorded in this resting state.


Because the EEG lasts only 20 to 40 minutes, it provides only a brief snapshot of your brain’s activity. If the diagnosis of seizures remains in doubt or if your seizures are not well controlled on your medications, your physician may order a longer monitoring session in the form of ambulatory video EEG recording where electrodes and a small recording device are worn at home. You are able to continue your usual activities while wearing the ambulatory EEG. This prolonged recording increases the chance that a seizure will be recorded.

 

Electromyography
(EMG)

 

This test measures the response of muscles and nerves to electrical activity. It’s used to help determine muscle conditions that might be causing muscle weakness, including muscular dystrophy and nerve disorders. Muscles are stimulated by signals from nerve cells called motor neurons. This stimulation causes electrical activity in the muscle, which in turn causes the muscle to contract or tighten. The muscle contraction itself produces electrical signals. Results are available immediately but a trained medical specialist, usually neurologist, is needed to analyze and interpret them.

 

Carotid/Transcranial Doppler
(CD/TCD)

 

The carotid (neck vessels) and transcranial (through the skull) Doppler ultrasound test uses reflected sound waves to measure how blood is flowing through the blood vessels in the brain. The test does not require entering the body (it is noninvasive) and the two tests are often conducted at the same time. The test usually takes from 30 to 45 minutes, and patients may go back to your normal activities after the test.

 

Videonystagmography
(VNG)

 

VNG testing is used to determine if a vestibular (inner ear) disease may be causing a balance or dizziness problem. The test is one of the only tests available today that can decipher between a unilateral (one ear) and bilateral (both ears) vestibular loss. By measuring the movements of the eyes directly through infrared cameras, a VNG provides accurate and consistent results while keeping you comfortable. VNG testing is considered the new standard for testing inner ear functions.

 

Neuromuscular Ultrasound

 

Our neuromuscular ultrasound laboratory is headed by Dr. Vincent DeOrchis, M.D. who is board certified in diagnostic neuromuscular ultrasound imaging. Utilizing non-harmful and painless ultrasound waves, this tool is used to visualize peripheral nerves, muscle and surrounding connective tissue for signs of pathology.

 

Cognitive Testing

 

Cognitive Testing helps determine if a person has a psychiatric, neurological or medical condition that contributes to problems with thinking. The results can help identify steps for the person’s care. An evaluation includes the person’s medical and psychiatric background as well as education, work history and social background. Testing examines areas such as language skills, memory, perceptual abilities, problem solving skills and other functions. Testing and evaluations can take approximately two to five hours to complete.

 

Evoked Potentials (EP)

 

Evoked potentials, including visual evoked potentials (VEP), somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP), and brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAER) use various sensory stimuli combined with EEG recording to assess the integrity of visual, somatosensory and auditory pathways respectively.

 

Trigger Point Injections

 

Trigger Point Injections are used to treat extremely painful areas of several muscle groups, especially those in the arms, legs, lower back, and neck. In addition, TPI can be used to treat fibromyalgia and tension headaches, and is also used to alleviate myofascial pain syndrome (chronic pain involving tissue that surrounds muscle) that does not respond to other treatments. Usually, a brief course of treatment will result in sustained relief. Injections are given in a doctor’s office and usually take just a few minutes. Several sites may be injected in one visit.

 

Botox

 

Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) and botulinum toxin B (Myobloc) are therapeutic muscle-relaxing agents that cause weakening of overactive muscles. These treatments work at the site of the nerves where they are injected, and are associated with few side effects. Botulinum toxin is injected into the muscle with a very fine needle. Some patients report minor or temporary discomfort from the treatment, which typically is needed no more than four times a year. Each person will experience a different level of relief and therapeutic benefit.

 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

 

MRI is a safe non-invasive diagnostic tool used for examination of the body’s tissues and organs. Various parts of the body such as the brain, spinal cord, joints and other areas can be examined. The patient is placed in a magnetic field and radio frequency pulses and computer technology are used to create highly defined images. There is no exposure to harmful ionizing radiation such as that associated with x-rays and CAT scans. The acquired imaged are reviewed by a radiologist and the patient’s treating physician. The information is used to help establish diagnosis, to follow patients during the course of an illness and sometimes to help determine the patient’s prognosis

 

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) and Magnetic Resonance Venography (MRV)

 

MRA/MRV is a type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to provide pictures of blood vessels inside the body. In many cases MRA/MRV can provide information that can’t be obtained from an X-ray, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT) scan.

 

Infusion Suite

 

Our four bed infusion suite provides on-site ability to administer intravenous therapies used in the treatment of various neurologic conditions including multiple sclerosis and headaches.