Muscle and Nerve Biopsy
Muscle and Nerve Biopsy Helps in differentiating neurogenic and myopathic causes of limb weakness as well as specific causes of myopathy, peripheral neuropathy. Indications: syndromes of limb weakness with cause…
Lumbar Puncture and CSF Examination
Lumbar Puncture and CSF Examination Lumbar Puncture (LP) Indications See Table 18.1. Table 18.1 Indications for Lumbar Puncture Essential for diagnosis: Infections: meningitis (bacterial, fungal, Whipple, Lyme) Tumor of meninges…
Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology
Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology Treatment of cerebrovascular disease with minimally invasive intravascular techniques, i.e., introduction of microcatheter via femoral artery. Cerebral Aneurysms Catheter used to place detachable coil (usually platinum wire)…
Neurovascular Imaging
Neurovascular Imaging CT, MRI See Chapter 13. Catheter Angiography Intra-arterial injection of iodinated contrast agent. Real-time images of contrast-filled vessels obtained via fluoroscopy. Unsurpassed for detection of stenosis, occlusion, recanalization,…
Nerve Conduction Studies, Electromyography, and Magnetic Stimulation
Nerve Conduction Studies, Electromyography, and Magnetic Stimulation Nerve Conduction Studies Measure speed and strength of electrical impulse conducted along motor or sensory peripheral nerve. SNAP: sensory nerve action potential. Electrical…
EEG and Evoked Potentials
EEG and Evoked Potentials Definitions Electroencephalography (EEG): recording spontaneous brain electrical activity. Evoked potentials: electrical responses to specific sensory stimuli. Electroencephalography Normal Adult EEG Awake Resting State Alpha rhythm: 8–12…
CT and MRI
CT and MRI Computed Tomography (CT) Description Based on x-rays; visual “slices” through body part showing tissue density. Gray scale of display from black (low density, e.g., fluid) to white…
Signs and Symptoms in Neurologic Diagnosis
Signs and Symptoms in Neurologic Diagnosis Diagnostic Factors Ninety percent of neurologic diagnosis suggested by history. Objective evaluation (exam, laboratory tests, imaging studies) usually directed at confirming or excluding diagnoses…
Gait Disorders
Gait Disorders Examining Stance and Gait Observe patient from the front, back, and sides. Ask patient to rise quickly from chair, walk at slow pace, then fast pace, then turn…
Syndromes Caused by Weak Muscles
Syndromes Caused by Weak Muscles Definitions Weakness: cannot exert normal force. Paralysis, plegia: total loss of ability to contract muscle. Paresis: partial loss, but often used interchangeably with plegia. Hemiplegia:…
