1. Neuroimaging
Neuroimaging is a branch of medical imaging that focuses on the brain. In addition to diagnosing disease and assessing brain health, neuroimaging also studies; how the brain works and how various activities impact the brain.
Neuroimaging has allowed doctors to pinpoint blood clots in the brain and insert tiny tools to grab the clot and remove it without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. And, prior to functional MRI, surgeons removing a brain tumor would have to wake a patient during surgery and stimulate parts of the brain to avoid damaging sensitive areas.
2. Electrophysiological Tests
These tests are used to assess the electrical activity of the nervous system. These tests help diagnose and monitor neurological disorders by measuring how well electrical signals travel through nerves and muscles.
Some of these tests include:
Electromyography - The EMG is used to diagnose problems with motor nerve conduction to muscles.
Electroencephalography - The EEG measures activity of brain cells and is used to diagnose brain disorders
Studies clearly show that neuro-electrophysiological tests are important in neurological diagnosis in clinical medicine and are an extension of the physical examination.
3. Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is a group of laboratory tests that measure chemicals in the cerebrospinal fluid. CSF is a clear fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. The tests may look for proteins, sugar (glucose), and other substances.
Analysis of CSF can help detect certain conditions and diseases. All of the following can be, measured in a sample of CSF:
Antibodies and DNA of common viruses
Bacteria (including that which causes syphilis, using a VDRL test)
Chloride
Cryptococcal antigen
Glutamine
4. Neuropsychological Testing
Neuropsychological testing refers to a number of tests that healthcare providers use to get information about how your brain works. Neuropsychologists look at the results to better understand the relationship between your brain health and behavior, and mood and thinking.
Neuropsychologists test for:
General intellect.
Reading/reading comprehension.
Your ability to use language and understand what others say.
Attention/concentration.
How much time it takes you to receive, understand and respond to information
Learning and memory.
Reasoning.
Higher-level skills used in everyday lives
Sources:
https://study.com/academy/lesson/electrophysiological-methods-in-neurology.html#:~:text=Electrophysiology%20tests%20that%20diagnose%20problems,used%20to%20diagnose%20brain%20disorders.
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board
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