Neurology:
Standard Exams and Scans
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Neurology Definition
Neurology is the medical specialty
concerned with the study and treatment of the nervous system.
The human nervous system consists of the brain, the spinal
cord, and the nerves. There are hundreds of millions of nerve
cells or neurons in the human body. The highest density of
neurons exists in the human brain. Scientific neurology estimates
suggest that there are more than 100 billion neurons in the
human brain. Obviously, the sheer scope and complexity of
the human nervous system presents an enormous challenge for
diagnosis and treatment of neurological problems that arise.
Neurology Diagnosis and Treatment
Neurological issues can arise for
a variety of reasons. Some neurological problems are transient
and self-limiting and self-healing in nature. However, there
are a large number of neurological diseases which require
diagnosis and treatment. Fortunately, there have been some
major advances in diagnostic equipment in recent years. The
CT Scan, MRI Scan, Doppler Ultrasound, Electromyography (EMG),
Electrocardiogram (EKG), Nuclear Imaging, and other diagnostic
tools have dramatically enhanced neurological diagnostic success.
At the same time, treatment options have expanded significantly
in the last several decades as science gains a stronger understanding
of neurological disease processes and treatment options.
Neurology Diagnostic Tools, Tests
and Scans
Some of the most common neurological
diagnostic equipment and procedures are as follows:
Angiography
Angiography - also commonly referred
to as arteriography utilizes x-ray or medical imaging technology
to view blood vessels and organs within the body. Typically
the patient is given a dye injection to provide a contrast
for the medical images. The radio-opaque contrast agent is
injected directly into an artery where it disseminates throughout
the circulatory system. An angiogram or angiograph is an image
of the blood vessels. The angiography is frequently used to
detect problems with blood flow in the coronary arteries.
CT Scan or CAT Scan
A CT Scan - also commonly referred to as a CAT Scan is a computed
tomographic scan. The CT Scan utilizes x-ray beams to produce
an output that can be recognized and "read" by a
computer. The CT Scan output is rendered into a 2 dimensional
image of the scanned area of the body. Information from the
CT Scan is then reviewed by a trained technician or Radiologist.
The CT Scan image provides a cross section of the body tissue
being examined. Neurological CT Scans typically focus on the
head and spine. CT Scans or CAT Scans are frequently used
to diagnose brain injuries resulting from a head trauma such
as a concussion. They are also commonly used to examine brain
tissue for signs of stroke, clotting, bleeding, tumors and
other problems that can arise in the brain. Additionally,
CT Scans can assist in detecting spinal stenosis or identifying
a herniated disk in patients experiencing back pain.
Doppler Ultrasound
The Doppler ultrasound is commonly associated with the Doppler
imaging of fetuses. Pregnant women frequently will have an
ultrasound to assess the health and size of the fetus during
pregnancy, to identify potential problems, or to ascertain
the gender of the unborn child. However, the Doppler Ultrasound
technology is also used extensively for a variety of other
medical uses - such as to determine the velocity of blood
flow to and from the heart or other organs in the human body.
Cardiology studies rely significantly on the Doppler information
to make accurate diagnoses of problems and overall health
of the cardiovascular system. The Doppler data is displayed
graphically allowing trained technicians to quickly evaluate
results.
Electrocardiograph ECG, or EKG
The Electrocardiograph also frequently referred to as an EKG
is used to measure electrical activity in the heart over a
period of time. It is accomplished by attaching electrodes
to the skin in various locations. The electrodes are in turn
connected to an electrocardiographic device. Data from the
captured electrical impulses is captured and by the device
where it can be displayed on a screen or printed out for interpretation
by a trained cardiologist. The EKG is one of the primary means
whereby abnormal heart rhythms are detected. These abnormal
heart rhythms can arise from damage to the heart from a myocardial
infarction (MI) - or heart attack. The EKG is used to identify
specific areas of the heart muscle that may have incurred
damage in a heart attack.
Electromyography EMG
The electromyography or EMG is utilized to assess the health
of the body's peripheral nerves - those in the extremities
- arms and legs. This technology evaluates and measures the
electrical impulses traveling between the brain and the nerves
in various parts of the body. It is useful for identifying
pinched or damaged nerves and can provide a relatively accurate
estimate of the extent of nerve damage where it exists. Where
nerve damage has occurred, the electrical impulses flowing
between the brain the nerve may be weakened or compromised.
Electrical activity occurring in muscles affected by the damaged
nerve will also be measured to assess possible abnormalities
and determine treatment options.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI technology is a radiology
technique used to provide detailed images of internal organs
and other structures inside the human body. The MRI operates
through the use of radio frequency fields and magnetic fields
to produce an image of an area of interest. The resulting
scanned image is evaluated by a trained technician or Radiologist
to diagnose problems and possible treatments. MRI's are used
frequently to image brain, muscle, heart and other soft tissue
and to detect and monitor cancers and tumors and to identify
the presence of other abnormalities. It can also be used to
produce images of the spinal column and surrounding tissues
to assess potential spine damage. No ionizing radiation is
used to generate an MRI, making it a safer option than many
of the other scanning options that employ radiation.
Nuclear Medicine Imaging
Nuclear medicine imaging required that radiopharmaceuticals
be administered to the patient. These radiopharmaceuticals
find their way to specific organs in the body. The nuclear
medicine images are produced by measuring cellular function
and metabolism within the body or the specific organ. The
radiopharmaceuticals emit radiation. This radiation is absorbed
at different rates by healthy and diseased tissue - allowing
technologists to identify problems that may exist. The radiation
data is captured by gamma cameras and used to create images.
This process is very different from traditional scanning options
which produce scans of the physical body tissue. Because nuclear
medicine imaging evaluates the physiology and cellular activity
of an organ, it can sometimes identify potential problems
at an earlier stage than other scanning technologies. Nuclear
medicine imaging is used frequently to perform very specific
organ scans such as lung scans, heart scans, bone scans, and
brain scans. Nuclear imaging is also used to conduct whole
body scans such as the whole body PET (Positron Emission Tomography)
scan and white blood cell scans.
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