Diagnostic Testing
Dr. Bakker, Dr. Mostofi, Sarah Jamieson, PA-C or your referring physician will likely order diagnostic tests or procedures to help us gain a better understanding of your condition. Some of the testing will be performed in our Center and others may need to be done at an outside laboratory, radiology center or even the hospital. Most of the external test results will take a few to several days to be returned to us. We understand that you may be on “pins and needles" when waiting for test results so as soon as we have them, we will call to schedule an appointment to review your results with you and determine the next steps in your treatment plan.
Some of the more common diagnostic tests are listed below:
Bloodwork - the providers may check for diabetes, thyroid disorders, cholesterol, anemia, renal disease as well as liver disease. Often vitamin deficiencies or autoimmune disorders may present with neurologic complications as well.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) - the providers may check for diabetes, thyroid disorders, cholesterol, anemia, renal disease as well as liver disease. Often vitamin deficiencies or autoimmune disorders may present with neurologic complications as well.
Cat Scan - An MRI uses a strong magnet to produce pictures of the human body; it does not use X-ray radiation. Some people are unable to have MRIs; examples include those with pace-makers or with metal fragments near the eyes. An MRI may be given with or without dye depending on which condition your provider is concerned you may have. If needed the MRI dye, called gadolinium, is given through an IV; it is very well tolerated and virtually free of allergens.
EEG - A brainwave study, electrodes are applied to the scalp and the patient is monitored in a quiet environment for approximately 45 minutes. This is a painless procedure and is especially helpful in diagnosing seizures or epilepsy. It also may be ordered in patients with "black out spells" or who have passed out. This procedure is performed at Frederick Memorial Hospital’s lab. If the initial EEG is normal a sleep deprived EEG may be ordered. With this test the patient will sleep half the patient’s normal time the night before in order to increase the likelihood of discovering eleptogenic activity.
Patient Instructions:
EMG - An EMG is useful in determining nerve damage and the muscle's response to that nerve damage, a small needle is placed in various muscles of the affected limb and in the muscles near but not on the back bone. This test may be uncomfortable but is not terribly painful. If you are worried, please be sure to share your concerns with your doctor.
NCV - Nerve conduction velocity helps to determine damage to nerves; this is a common test for carpal tunnel. During the test a small electrical current will be applied in various locations along the affected limb. This test may be uncomfortable, but no sustained pain will occur. This is a non-invasive test.
Evoked Potentials - There are three types of evoked potentials: auditory, sensory, and visual. During each study the patient's brainwaves will be monitored with painless electrodes on the scalp while an auditory (sound), sensory (touch), or visual stimulus is applied. This test may be helpful in making the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. If all three portions of the test are completed, the time for the test is approximately three hours. This test is performed in our office.
Patient Instructions:
Carotid Ultrasound - A painless procedure in which an ultrasound wand is rolled over the carotid arteries in the neck. This test looks for clogged arteries that may put you at risk for a stroke.
Spinal Tap - spinal tap or lumbar puncture is a procedure in which after local anesthesia to the low back and needle is inserted between the lumbar vertebrae and opening pressures measured and fluid is obtained to be most commonly tested for inflammatory disease or autoimmune disorders. rarely the patient may have a severe headache after the procedure which is called a post spinal tap headache.
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