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Electrophysiologic Studies
Auditory-Evoked Potential (AER)
uses sounds in the ear to determine theresponse of the brainstem and auditory regions of the cortex to thesound. AER is useful in diagnosing abnormalities of hearing, damage tothe acoustic nerve and acoustic neuromas.
Brainstem Auditory-Evoked Response (BAER)
see Auditory-evokedpotential.
Electroencephalography (EEG)
utilizes electrodes on the scalp tomeasure the electrical activity of the brain. It is used to analyze generalbrain function and for the diagnosis of different forms of epilepsy andseizures and metabolic and degenerative disorders of the brain as wellas sleep disorders. EEG is age specific; in the normal aging process, theperson may demonstrate a modest degree of slowing in the temporalregions.
Electronystagmography (ENG)
is used evaluate some brain functionsand to assess the vestibular system including involuntary eye movement,dizziness and balance disorders.
Electromyography (EMG)
records the electrical discharges of themuscle in response to nerve stimulation. EMGs can be performed withsurface electrodes measuring voltage on the skin or needle electrodesinserted into the skin. EMG is used for testing muscle and nerve disor-ders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, themuscular dystrophies, peripheral neuropathies, and Guillain Barrésyndrome. It is useful in differentiate between demyelinating andaxonal pathology.
Evoked Potentials
examine the visual, auditory, and somatosensory sys-tems to identify sub-clinical lesions. Evoked potentials are essential todiagnose multiple sclerosis, stroke, visual acuity in children, optic neu-ropathy, demyelinating diseases, leukodystrophies, and lipidoses.
Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV)
measures the speed of electricalimpulse conduction along sensory and motor nerves that are superficialenough to be stimulated. NCV is used in nerve disorders such as carpaltunnel syndrome, diabetic neuropathy, peripheral nerve lesions, andCharcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
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Copyright © 2009. F.A. Davis Company
 
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Somatosensory-Evoked Potential (SEP)
uses EEG electrodes to recordthe response of the brain to a sensory stimulus. It is useful in determiningdetermine if there is a delay in conduction to the brain or nerve or spinalcord damage or nerve degeneration from multiple sclerosis and otherdegenerating diseases.
Visual-Evoked Potential (VEP)
involves the use of EEG electrodes andvisual stimuli, such as flashing lights. VEP is use to determine the brain’sresponse to the stimuli and is useful in diagnosing optic nerve damage.
Genetic Testing
Genetic tests involve molecular, biochemical and/or cytogenetic analysisto determine if a condition is genetic or inherited. They can involve DNA,RNA, chromosome, and protein analysis.
Imaging Studies
Angiography
utilizes a radio-opaque liquid that is injected into an artery orvein to detect blockages by aneurysm, occlusion or displacement of bloodvessels by tumors. It is also useful in detecting vascular malformation.
Computed Tomography (CT)
is the preferred initial imaging procedurefor patients with stroke, other intracranial abnormalities, brain tumorsand damage from head injury. CT is usually performed first without, andthen with intravenous contrast enhancement (for example, iodine) toshow vascular abnormalities, hematoma, or enhancement of lesions. CTof the face and sinuses are performed to evaluate patients with suspectedtrauma or infection. In CT, an x-ray beam and a detector system movearound the patient in an arc of 360 degrees. The images are then recon-structed by specialized software.
 
CT of the Spine
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Computed Tomographic Angiography
is less sensitive than conventionalangiography but can provide important information for patients withacute stroke. CTA – circle of Willis
CTA of the Brain
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
is used to determine intracranial abnor-malities, such as tumors and multiple sclerosis (because it is capable todetect small changes in soft tissue). Tissue with more water (high hydrogen
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paoloaugustobonelli

Neuronotes for exam review..See you at GR in AM

reply04 / 30 / 2009
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