Evaluating and diagnosing damage to the nervous system is very complex. Many of the same symptoms occur in different combinations among the different disorders. To further complicate the diagnostic process, many neurological disorders do not have definitive causes, markers, or tests to distinguish one versus another.
Some of the most common neurological tests to evaluate patients include:
- computerized tomography (CT ) or computer assisted tomography (CAT) scans -- forms of radiology or imaging that use computers to construct two-dimensional pictures of selected parts of the body. Dye may be injected into a vein to obtain a better picture.
- electroencephalogram (EEG) -- a procedure that records the brain's continuous electrical activity by means of electrodes attached to the scalp.
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) -- an advanced method of imaging the brain using a very strong magnet, without radiation.
- electromyogram (EMG) -- a procedure that measures and records electrical activity from the muscles and nerves with mild electrical shocks to stimulate the nerves.
- arteriogram (angiogram) -- a procedure that provides a scan of arteries going to and through the brain through use of dye.
- cerebral spinal fluid analysis (spinal tap) -- a procedure used to make an evaluation or diagnosis by examining the fluid withdrawn from the spinal column.
- evoked potentials -- procedures that record the brain's electrical response to visual, auditory and sensory stimuli.
- myelogram -- a procedure that uses dye injected into the spinal canal to make the structure clearly visible on x-rays.
- neurosonography -- a procedure that uses Ultrasound or Trans Cranial Doppler, that enables the physician to analyze blood flow in cases of possible stroke.
Source: Methodist Health Care System
Some great sites to provide you with more information and samples of these diagnosing procedures can be found at:
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The Evaluation of polyneuropathy - Neuro Land
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Medicine Net look up a specific medical test
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Neuromuscular Disease Center distinguishing between the demyelinating diseases
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Neuro-Patient Resource Center describes various diagnosis tests
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Ultrastructure of the Nervous System describing how the various parts work
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University of Colorado Health Sciences Page has a case study with the specifics
