1. Clinical Procedures and Test
Nervous System
Clinical Procedures and Test

2. Laboratory Tests
cerebrospinal fluid analysis - Cell counts, bacterial smears and cultures of samples of CSF are done when disease of the meninges or brain is suspected. Normal constituents of CSF are water, glucose, sodium, chloride, and protein, and changes in these are helpful in the diagnosis of brain disease.

3. Clinical Procedures
Cerebral angiography – contrast medium is injected into an artery and xrays are taken of the blood vessel system of the brain. The purpose of the test is to diagnose vascular disease (aneurysm, occlusion, hemorrhage) in the brain.

4. Clinical Procedures
Computed tomography (CT) – xrays used to compose a computerized cross-sectional picture of the brain and spinal cord. Contrast medium may also be injected intravenously to see abnormalities.

5. Clinical Procedures
Myelography – contrast medium is injected into the subarachnoid space and xrays are taken of the spinal cord. Myelography is becoming less commonly performed as CT and MRI replace this invasive technique

6. Clinical Procedures
MRI of the brain – The use of magnetic and radiowaves to create an image of the brain (frontal, cross-sectional, and sagittal planes can be viewed). MRI and CT are used to complement each other in diagnosing brain and spinal cord lesions.

7. MRI of the Brain

8. Clinical Procedures
Positron emission tomography (PET) – an isotope (radioactive chemical) that gives off particles called positrons is injected intravenously, combined with a form of glucose. The uptake of the radioactive material is then recorded on a screen. The cross-sectional images show how the brain uses glucose and gives information about brain function. Used in patients with Alzheimer disease, stroke, schizophrenia, and epilepsy.

9. PET Scan

10. Clinical Procedures
Electroencephalography (EEG) – recording of the electrical activity of the brain. EEG is used to demonstrate seizure activity in the brain, brain tumors and other diseases and injury to the brain.

11. Clinical Procedures
Lumbar (spinal ) puncture – CSF is withdrawn from between two lumbar vertebrae. A device to measure the pressure of the CSF can be attached to the end of the needle after it has been inserted. Contrast medium for xray studies may be administred through lumbar puncture as well. Leakage of CSF around puncture site can sometimes lead to lower pressure in the subarachnoid space and cause headaches.

12. Lumbar Puncture

13. Clinical Procedures
Stereotactic radiosurgery – Use of a stereotactic instrument that, when fixed onto the skull, can locate a target by three-dimensional measurement. Stereotactic radiosurgery with a gamma knife (high-energy radiation) has been used to treat deep and often inaccessible brain tumors and abnormal blood vessel masses (arteriovenous malformations) without surgical incision.

14. Stereostatic Radiosurgery