Depending on your specific symptoms, your physician may order one or more of the following diagnostic tests. The results and interpretation of your testing is the first step in your diagnosis and course of treatment.
An EEG is a recording of the electrical activity of the brain. The electrical activity is recorded as wavy lines on graph paper and examined by a trained physician. An EEG can be used to evaluate:
- Seizure disorders
- Infections of the central nervous system
- Degenerative disorders (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s Disease)
- Head trauma
- Brain tumors
AEEG (Ambulatory Electroencephalogram)
An AEEG is a longer recording of an EEG that includes prolonged periods when you are both awake and asleep. This kind of recording is made by using a special recorder that is slightly larger than a portable cassette player. You wear it on your waist with the wires running under your shirt and go about your normal routine for up to 72 hours.
An EMG evaluates the nerve pathway by placing electrodes on the nerve and muscle endings on the hands or feet along the nerve pathway. During this test, the nerve is stimulated with a brief electrical charge, and then a neurologist places a tiny fine wire partially into the muscle to listen and watch if the muscle sounds and looks healthy. This test evaluates:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Myasthenia gravis
- Neck and back pain
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Degenerative diseases
- Spinal diseases
VNG (Video Nystagmogram)
VNG is a sophisticated test of the inner ear and portions of the brain that can reveal certain abnormalities that will help your doctor understand the cause of your dizziness or trouble with balance.
Epley Maneuver (Canalith Repositioning)
Epley Maneuver is a treatment used to eliminate intermittent dizziness/vertigo of the positional type. This treatment repositions naturally occurring crystals in the ear that have become displaced and are causing a spinning sensation. This treatment is ordered after a VNG has been performed and indicates the diagnosis of BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Vertigo).
Vascular Lab Testing
Associates in Neurology’s Vascular Laboratory in Valparaiso has been granted a three-year term of accreditation in Vascular Testing by the Accreditation Commission (IAC). This three-year term is specifically in the areas of Intercranial Cerebrovascular.
IAC Accreditation is a “seal of approval” that patients can rely on the Valparaiso Vascular Lab due to the fact that our facility has been carefully critiqued on all aspects of its operations considered relevant by a panel of medical experts in the field of Vascular Testing.
TCD (Transcranial Doppler)
TCD is an ultrasound used to evaluate blood flow characteristics of major blood vessels within the brain. TCD signals have been extensively correlated with angiograms and are accepted as reliable measurements of intercranial blood flow velocity.
CVR (Vasomotor Reactivity Study)
This study is used to assess the dynamics of blood flow within the brain. As a probe is held over a patient’s head, the patient is asked to hold their breath for 30 seconds. Blood flow measurements will be continuously assessed during these breath holding exercises.
This study utilizes non-invasive Doppler technology to assess blood flow within the head, specifically to look for the presence of microscopic blood clots within the blood flow of the brain.
Bubble Study (Emboli Detection with IV Injection)
This study utilizes non-invasive Doppler technology to screen for the presence of a heart defect that may be associated with strokes and TIAs. This study requires that a small IV be placed and a small amount of saline will be injected.