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Neurological Diagnostic Tests

physician-Maushmi
Medically reviewed by Maushmi Sheth
physician-Maushmi
Medically reviewed by Maushmi Sheth

Diseases of the nervous system are a special group of pathologies that cause significant discomfort, are often of a chronic progressive nature, and are difficult to diagnose and treat.

What are the symptoms of diseases of the nervous system? The first stage in diagnosing diseases of the nervous system is a thorough examination of complaints and symptoms and a neurological exam. Often, the patient finds it difficult to talk about them on their own; however, experienced neurologists do their best to create a favorable atmosphere of communication, which makes the dialogue as open and productive as possible. If contact is not established, further maintenance is made impossible.

The doctor may be alerted by the following deviations:

  • persistent chronic fatigue
  • frequent headaches of any nature
  • fainting and light-headedness
  • dizziness, noise, and ringing in the ears
  • sleep disorders, anxiety, and apathy
  • decreased memory and concentration, general distraction
  • frequent mood changes, irritability
  • numbness, weakness, chills, burning, chilliness in the upper and lower extremities
  • pain along the spine or legs
  • asymmetry of the face
  • violations of speech, gait, coordination of movements
  • convulsions and tremors, involuntary twitching of the limbs
  • urinary or fecal incontinence
  • the rapid decline in vision.

Typically, symptoms always appear in clusters and progress steadily. Late diagnosis of the nervous system can lead to the impossibility of eliminating the problem. Some diseases of the nervous system do not respond to treatment at all and require only drug support to slow down the rate of development; it is necessary to conduct tests and procedures to determine this.

 

Additional diagnostic methods, tests & procedures

Additional diagnostic methods, tests, and procedures of the nervous system

During the first neurological exam, the neurologist will carefully listen to all the patient’s complaints and the dynamics of their development, study the life history to detect birth defects and the impact of risk factors (alcoholic beverages, smoking, harmful production). Then the specialist proceeds to the direct diagnosis of diseases of the nervous system:

  • general condition
  • speech, memory, and attention
  • cranial nerve functions
  • sensitive and motor spheres
  • vegetative functions.

The doctor always pays attention to the pronunciation of words, coordination of movements, eyeball and limb movements, and any gait violations. The doctor also assesses the state of the psyche in general.

If at some stage abnormalities are found, the neurologist begins a more accurate examination, tests, and procedures of the affected area; this is necessary to identify the level of the disease (central and peripheral), which plays a dominant role in the appointment of treatment.

Depending on the clinical situation, the following may be prescribed:

  • Ultrasound of extracranial arteries. Allows you to assess blood flow activity in the vessels feeding the brain to identify possible narrowing (atherosclerotic plaques, external compression).
  • Computed tomography and magnetic resonance therapy. These diagnostics methods allow obtaining high-quality images of the brain, spinal column, and large nerve plexuses to improve the accuracy of the data obtained (for example, if a tumor is suspected), special contrast agents are injected.
  • Echoencephalography. Allows you to assess intracranial pressure, detect possible neoplasms in the tissues of the brain.
  • Electroencephalography. Based on the registration of biological currents in the brain. Allows to carry out differential diagnosis between various forms of epilepsy and suspect tumor processes.
  • Radiography. A simple and effective method for detecting almost any disease of the spinal column.
  • Electroneuromyography. Based on the assessment of the functional state of skeletal muscles. It is used when there is a suspicion of the presence of pathologies of the peripheral nervous system.

If malignant processes are suspected, oncologists are invited to carry out further diagnostics; various tests and procedures are carried out to examine the nervous system. A biopsy is performed, followed by a histological examination, which is necessary to verify the tumor and assess the prognosis.

Additionally, lumbar puncture and angiography may be required.

Laboratory tests and procedures play an essential role in the diagnosis and examination of the nervous system.

Experienced neurologists successfully diagnose and treat the following groups of diseases of the nervous system:

  • chronic cerebral ischemia
  • consequences of acute disorders of cerebral circulation
  • headaches
  • pathology of the vestibular apparatus
  • epilepsy
  • Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
  • neuralgia (intercostal, trigeminal, etc.)
  • polyneuropathy
  • multiple sclerosis
  • vegetative dystonia
  • chronic fatigue syndrome
  • amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other neuromuscular diseases
  • psychosomatic disorders and neuroses
  • neurosyphilis
  • encephalitis and meningitis of any etiology.

Diagnostics of the nervous system and neurological exams are always complex. Many neurological abnormalities can be satellites of other organic disorders and require the involvement of other narrow specialists.

Diagnosis of diseases of the nervous system at home. If you are unable to visit the clinic, you can call a doctor at home. The neurologist will perform a thorough diagnosis and examination of the nervous system, take the necessary tests and provide medical assistance in full. If necessary, medical personnel can be sent to conduct intramuscular or intravenous injections, to monitor the effectiveness of the therapy.

Treatment of diseases of the nervous system. After a complete neurological exam of the nervous system and consultation with related specialists, treatment is prescribed. Therapy may include medication or surgery, physical therapy, massage, exercise therapy, and exercise machines.

In some situations, the help of psychologists and speech therapists may be involved, who will help you learn to live in conditions of neurological deficit.

 

What happens during a neurological exam?

What happens during a neurological exam

A neurologist is specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the brain and spinal cord. During a neurological exam, a doctor checks various functions of the nervous system. Most neurological examinations include an assessment of:

  • Mental health, doctor, or healthcare professional asks you general questions such as date, place, and time. They may also ask you to do certain things, such as memorizing a list of objects, naming objects, and drawing certain shapes.
  • Coordination and balance, a doctor may ask you to walk in a straight line with one foot directly in front of the other. Other tests and procedures include closing the eyes and touching the nose with the index finger.
  • Reflexes are an automatic response to a stimulus. Reflexes are tested by tapping different parts of the body with a rubber mallet. When reflexes are normal, the body moves in a specific way in response to these pressures. A doctor may tap on various parts of the body during a neurological examination, such as below the kneecap (bone in the knee) and around the elbow or ankle.
  • The doctor’s sensation touches your feet, hands, and other parts of your body with various instruments such as a tuning fork, blunt needle, or cotton swab. You are asked to identify sensations such as warmth, coldness, and pain.
  • Cranial nerves connect the brain to the eyes, ears, nose, face, tongue, neck, throat, shoulders, and even some organs. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves in total. Depending on the symptoms, the doctor tests certain nerves; for example, they may ask you to identify certain smells, stick out your tongue and try to speak or shake your head from side to side. Hearing and vision tests may also be done.

The autonomic nervous system controls basic breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. Your doctor or other healthcare professional may measure your blood pressure, pulse, and heart rate in different sitting, standing, or lying positions to assess your autonomic nervous system. Other tests and procedures include examining your students’ reactions to light and your ability to sweat normally.

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Lone Star Neurology
4.5
Based on 905 reviews
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Edward Medina
Edward Medina
15:34 30 Jun 22
Just such an amazing staff that makes you feel like part of their family. I’ve been going there for over 5 years now... and each visit I get the very best care and treatments that I have ever received in the 20+ years that I’ve been dealing with severe debilitating migraines. Since i started seeing them the number of my migraines has dropped from 15-20 a month to 2-3 every 3 month. I highly recommend them …they will change your life!read more
Daneisha Johnson
Daneisha Johnson
22:20 19 May 22
Dr. Askari was very kind and explained everything so I could understand. The other staff were nice as well. I would... have gave 5 stars but I was a little taken aback when I checked in and had to pay 600.00 upfront. I think that should have been discussed in a appointment confirmation call or email just so I could have been prepared.read more
Jean Cooper
Jean Cooper
16:54 29 Apr 22
I love the office staff they are friendly and very helpful. Dr. JODIE is very caring and understanding to your needs... and wants to help you. I will go back. would recommend Dr. Dr. Jodie to other Patients in a heart beat. The team works well together.read more
Linda M
Linda M
19:40 02 Apr 22
I was obviously stressed, needing to see a neurologist. The staff was so patient and Dr. Ansari was so kind. At one... point he told me to relax, we have time, when I was relaying my history of my condition. That helped ease my stress. I have seen 3 other neurologists and he was the only one who performed any assessment tests on my cognitive and physical skills. At one point I couldn't complete two assessments and got upset and cried. I was told, it's OK. That's why you're here. I was truly impressed, and super pleased with the whole experience!read more
Leslie Durham
Leslie Durham
15:05 01 Apr 22
I've been coming here for about 5 years. The staff are ALWAYS friendly and knowledgeable. The Doctors are the absolute... best!! Jodie Moore is always in such a great mood which is a plus when you are already stressed. Highly recommendedread more
Monica Del Bosque
Monica Del Bosque
14:13 25 Mar 22
Since my first post my thoughts have changed here. It's unfortunate. My doctor and PA were great, but the office staff... is horrible. They never call you back when they say they will, they misinform you, they cause you too much stress wondering what's going on, they don't keep you posted. They never answer the phone. At this point I've left four messages in the last week, and I have sent three messages. Twice from their portal and one direct email. No response. My appointment is on Monday morning at 8:30am, no confirmation on my insurance and what's going on. What the heck is going on, this is ridiculous!I've given up... the stress her office staff has put me through is just not worth it. You can do so much better, please clean house, either change out your office staff, or find a way for them to be more efficient please. You have to do something. This is not how you want to run your practice. It leaves a very bad impression on your business.read more
Ron Buckholz
Ron Buckholz
23:32 23 Mar 22
I was actually pleasantly surprised with this visit! It took me a long time to get the appointment scheduled because no... one answers your phones EVER! After a month, I finally got in, and your staff was warm, friendly, and I was totally impressed! I feel like you will take care of my needs!read more
Steve Nabavi
Steve Nabavi
16:28 16 Mar 22
It was a nice visit. Happy staff doing all they can do to comfort the patients in a very calming environment. You ask... me they are earned a big gold star on the fridge. My only complaint they didn't give me any cookies.read more
Katie Lewis
Katie Lewis
16:10 10 Feb 22
Had very positive appointments with Jodie and Dr. Sheth for my migraine care. Jodie was so fast with the injections and... has so much valuable info. I started to feel light headed during checkout and the staff was SO helpful—giving me a chair, water, and taking me into a private room until I felt better. Highly recommend this practice for migraine patients, they know what they’re doing!!read more
Joshua Martinez
Joshua Martinez
16:02 10 Dec 21
I was scheduled to be checked and just want to say that the staff was fantastic. They were kind and helpful. I was... asked many questions related to what was going on and not once did I feel as though I was being brushed off. The front desk staff was especially great in assisting me. I'm scheduled to go back for a mri and am glad that I'll be going there.read more
Isabel Ivy
Isabel Ivy
21:42 03 Nov 21
I had such a good experience with Lone Star Neurology, Brent my MRI Tech was so awesome and made sure I was very... comfortable during the appointment. He gave me ear plugs, a pillow, leg support and blanket, easiest MRI ever lol 🤣 My 72 hour EEG nurse Amanda was also so awesome. She made sure I was take care of over the 3 days and took her time with the electrodes to make sure it was comfortable for me! Paige was also a huge help in answering all my questions when it came to my test results, and letting me know her honest opinions about how I should go forth with my treatment.read more
Leslie Luce
Leslie Luce
17:37 20 Oct 21
The professionalism and want to help attitude of this office was present from the moment I contacted them. The follow... up and follow through as well as their willingness to find a way to schedule my dad was above and beyond. We visited two offices in the same day with the same experience. I am appreciative of this—we spend a lot of time with doctors and this was top notch start to finish.read more
robert Parker
robert Parker
16:38 16 Apr 21
I love going to this office. The staff is friendly and helpful. The doctor is great. I am getting the best... neurological tests and treatment I have ever had. The only reason I did not give them a 5 star rating is because it is impossible to reach a live person at the office to reschedule appointments. Every time I have tried to get through to the office it says all people are busy and I am sent to a voicemail. If they could get their phone answering fixed, I would give them a strong 5 stars.read more
MaryAnn Hornbaker
MaryAnn Hornbaker
00:26 25 Feb 21
Dr. Harney is an excellent Dr. I found him friendly , personable and thorough. I evidently am an unusual case. ... Therefore he spent a Hugh amount of time educating me. He even gave me literature to further explain my condition and how to follow up. This is something you rarely get from your doctors. So I am more than please with my doctor and his staff.read more
Roger Arguello
Roger Arguello
03:05 29 Jan 21
Always courteous, professional. The staff is very friendly and always work with you to find the best appointment time.... The care team has been great. Always taking the time to listen to your concerns and to find the best treatment.read more
Margaret Rowland
Margaret Rowland
01:12 27 Jan 21
I have been a patient at Lone Star Neurology for several years. Now both my adult daughters also are patients there. I... love Jodie. She is always so prompt whether it is a teleamed call are a visit in the office. She takes the time to explain everything to me and answers all my questions. I am so blessed to have Jodie as my doctor.read more
Susan Miller
Susan Miller
03:01 13 Jan 21
My husband had an accident 5 years ago and Lone Star Neurology has been such a blessing to us with my husbands care.... Jodie Moore is his provider and she is amazing! Jodie is very knowledgeable, caring, and thorough. She takes her time with you, making sure your needs are met and she is happy to answer any questions you may have. Lone Star Neurology’s patients are very lucky to have Jodie providing their care. Thank you Lone Star Neurology and especially Jodie for everything you have done for us. Jodie, you are the best!read more
Windalyn C
Windalyn C
01:32 09 Jan 21
Jodie is wonderful. She is very caring and knowledgeable. I have been to over a dozen neurologists, and none were able... to help me as much as they have here. Thanks!read more
Katie Kordel
Katie Kordel
00:40 09 Jan 21
Jodi Moore, nurse practitioner, is amazing. I have suffered from frequent, debilitating headaches for almost 20 years.... She has provided the best proactive and responsive care I have ever received. My quality of life has been greatly improved by her caring approach and tenacity in finding solutions.read more
Ellie Natsis
Ellie Natsis
15:41 07 Jan 21
I have had the best experience at this neurologist's office! For over a year I have been receiving iv treatments here... each month and my nurse, Bobbie is beyond wonderful!! She's so attentive, knowledgeable, caring, and detail oriented. She makes an otherwise uncomfortable experience much more pleasant and definitely puts me at ease! She also helps me with my insurance,ordering this specialty medication and dealing with the ordering process which is no easy feat.Needless to say, she goes above a beyond in every way and I'm so grateful to this office and to Bobbie for all they do for me!read more
Matt Morris
Matt Morris
15:39 07 Jan 21
Let me start by saying that I have been coming here for years. Due to my autoimmune disease, I am in this office... once every three weeks for multiple hours at a time. The office is very clean and the staff very friendly. My only complaint would be there communication via phone. They aren't the best at responding if you leave a voicemail and expect a call back. I understand that this is prob just due to the sheer number of alls they receive daily. What I can say I like the best about the office are the people. Bobby who handles my infusions is great. I never have any issues with her setting up my infusions. She is very quick to reply to messages sent via text and if she were to leave then my whole opinion of the office may change. I also enjoy people like Matt, Lauren, and Jodi. I appreciate all that they do for me and without this team I'm not sure I would be as happy as I am to visit the office as frequently as I have to. Please ensure that these folks are recognized as they are what makes my visit to this office so tolerable :).read more
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