At the SSM Neurosciences Institute, specialists have access to a wide variety of extremely advanced diagnostic tools to confirm or rule out the presence of a neurological disorder. Doctors now can see inside the living brain with vivid anatomical detail -- as well as changes in brain activity as they occur.
Diagnostic services at the SSM Neurosciences Institute include:
Medical History/Physical & Neurological Examination - In a neurologic exam, the muscles and nervous system will be checked. The doctor will test reflexes, coordination, sensation, speech, memory and cognition.
Laboratory screening tests – Tests of blood, urine, or other substances are used to help diagnose disease, better understand the disease process, and monitor levels of therapeutic drugs.
X-ray – This noninvasive, painless procedure can show any vertebral misalignment or fractures within minutes.
CT Scan – A computerized axial tomography (CT or CAT) scan uses X-rays to create a 3D picture of the brain and spine. A CT can detect certain brain tumors and cysts, herniated discs and brain damage from head injury, among other disorders. CT test results also give valuable information about the cause of stroke and the location and extent of brain injury. Before the CT scan is performed, dye may be injected through the patient’s vein to highlight different tissues.
MRI, Open MRI and High Strength MRI - an imaging test that uses magnetic waves instead of X-ray to produce detailed, 3D images of internal structures and organs in the body. MRI can detect brain and spinal cord tumors, spinal stenosis and herniated discs; identify diseases of the blood vessels, including stroke; and diagnose nervous system disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, and pituitary diseases. In a conventional MRI, patients must lie totally still in a closed cylinder. SSM Neurosciences Institute offers an Open MRI, which delivers the same sharp images without the claustrophobic feeling associated with a closed MRI.
Carotid Ultrasound – a painless test that uses high-frequency ultrasound waves to create pictures of the two larger arteries (carotid) in the neck. This procedure helps detect plaque, blood clots, or other problems with blood flow in the carotid arteries.
Angiography - a sophisticated X-ray examination of the blood vessels leading to and inside the brain. The procedure entails an injection of contrast dye that outlines the blood vessels, making them visible in the X-ray images. All this begins with a catheter, inserted through a sedated patient’s femoral artery near the right hip. It is then threaded through the main vessels of the abdomen and chest until it is properly placed in the arteries of the neck. This procedure is monitored by a fluoroscope (a special X-ray that projects the images on a TV monitor). The contrast dye is then injected into the neck area through the catheter, and X-ray pictures are taken.
Electroencephalogram – In this test, also known as EEG, small metal discs (electrodes) are placed on a person's scalp to pick up electrical impulses. These electrical signals are printed out as brain waves. This test is used to help diagnose certain seizure disorders, brain tumors, brain damage related to head injuries, inflammation of the brain and/or spinal cord, alcoholism, specific psychiatric disorders, and metabolic and degenerative disorders that impact the brain.
Echocardiogram – This test, also known as an EKG or ECG, helps doctors identify problems with the electrical conduction of the heart. When the heart has a defect in electrical conduction, it stops beating rhythmically and it is said to be suffering from arrhythmia. Some arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, cause the formation of blood clots inside the heart chambers. These blood clots sometimes migrate to the brain and cause a stroke.
Positron emission tomography (PET) – These scans provide 2D and 3D pictures of brain activity by measuring radioactive isotopes that are injected into the bloodstream. PET is a nuclear diagnostic test that can detect and stage most cancers. PET also can provide early information about heart disease and many neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. The patient lies on a scanning table while a ring-shaped machine is positioned over the target area of the body.
Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) Scan - SPECT scan is a nuclear test that can provide information about blood flow to tissues and metabolic activities in the body. It is used in patients with epilepsy, to help identify certain types of tumors, to provide early information about neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, and in diagnosing certain spinal conditions.
Sleep studies - A Polysomnogram can evaluate patients with neurological sleep disorders.