Our office features state-of-the-art electrodiagnostic imaging equipment to aid in precise diagnosis and treatment. The following explains some of the most common tests we offer.
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Neurology is a medical specialty that deals with disorders of the brain and nervous system. That is, the network of cells that transmit and receive information throughout the body. Through the use of cutting-edge diagnostic technologies, botox injections and treatment modalities, neurologists help combat the effects of debilitating neurological, neuromuscular and movement disorders.
Our office features state-of-the-art electrodiagnostic imaging equipment to aid in precise diagnosis and treatment. The following explains some of the most common tests we offer.
An EMG is a diagnostic exam that evaluates the health of muscles and the nerves that control them by measuring muscle electrical activity. This test is commonly performed to determine the cause of muscle weakness and identify cases that are caused by neurologic disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy and others rather than primary muscle conditions. During the EMG, thin needle electrodes are inserted into the muscle, where they detect electrical activity while the muscle is at rest and contracting.
A nerve conduction velocity test or “nerve conduction study” is utilized to determine if a patient is suffering from nerve damage or inherent deficiency. This allows the doctor to either rule out or confirm a diagnosis of nervous system issues, instead of musculoskeletal problems that could cause similar symptoms. They can also help determine the source of nerve damage, such as substance abuse, nerve compression or another peripheral neuropathy, as the specific cause can be vital to effective treatment. Nerve conduction studies are often performed in conjunction with electromyography, which helps to diagnose muscle disease and neuromuscular conditions.
An evoked potential or “evoked response” study is a diagnostic procedure that measures electrical activity in the brain as it responds to signals from the sight, sound and touch senses. This allows doctors to assess hearing or sight (especially useful when performed on infants), diagnose optic nerve disorders or detect tumors within the brain or spinal cord. There are several different types of evoked response studies available that can test for different conditions.
MRI, short for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a radiation-free scanning technique that uses radio waves and magnetic fields to produce detailed three-dimensional images of the body. MRI can be used to identify or precisely locate an injury or abnormality, to scan for developing problems or analyze damage from previous trauma, and to aid in the planning of surgery.
Unlike X-rays, radioisotopes, CT and other methods that use radiation, MRI uses radiofrequency waves. Radio waves detect differences in water concentration and distribution in various body tissues.
Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) uses a magnetic field, radio waves and a contrast material to produce detailed images of blood vessels throughout the body. This procedure does not use ionizing radiation, and can effectively detect, diagnose and aid in the treatment of heart disorders, stroke and other blood vessel diseases.
MRI and MRA studies are referred out to our partnering specialists.
For more information about Neurology, contact our in Oceanside, NY or Valley Stream, NY to schedule an appointment.
