Neurological symptoms can range from mild to severe. They can cause pain or discomfort, and sometimes they can be debilitating. Whether you are experiencing a new symptom or concerned about a worsening one, we offer a robust array of diagnostic and testing services to help determine next steps in your care.
Our neurologists commonly evaluate patients for the following symptoms:
- Chronic, severe headaches
- Difficulty moving or maintaining balance
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory loss or forgetfulness that is progressively getting worse or interfering with your ability to function
- Numbness, tingling or burning sensations in hands, arms, legs or feet
- Seizures
- Sleep problems, such as excessive tiredness or physically acting out dreams
- Tremors, muscle spasms or increasing muscle weakness
- Vertigo (dizziness)
Types of neurological evaluation and testing
During an appointment or consultation, your neurologist will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms and may conduct a neurological exam, which evaluates how well your nervous system is working.
By asking a series of questions and conducting brief physical tests, your doctor can assess various domains of functioning, such as your reflexes, mental state, strength, coordination, mobility, sensory perception and more. This exam is typically pain-free and tailored to your specific symptoms and situation.
Your doctor may recommend additional tests that inform your treatment plan or the ongoing management of your condition. Common types of neurological tests include:
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Electroencephalogram (EEG) and video EEG
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During this painless procedure, special sensors called electrodes are placed on the scalp to record and print the pattern of electrical activity in the brain. Abnormal patterns or spikes in brain wave activity can indicate the presence of epilepsy or seizure disorders. In some cases, patients may need to undergo video EEG monitoring, which allows your neurology team to observe your behavior during a seizure while also analyzing brain wave activity. Video EEG can aid in diagnosing the type of seizure a person is experiencing and the part of the brain where it originates.
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Electromyogram (EMG) and nerve conduction studies
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An EMG measures the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during contraction, while nerve conduction studies test how quickly and accurately nerves send electrical signals.
Measuring the electrical activity in muscles and nerves can help diagnose diseases such as muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or peripheral neuropathies. EMG and nerve conduction studies are often done together to provide a comprehensive assessment of functioning.
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Medical imaging scans
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans may be used to identify structural abnormalities, such as tumors or scar tissue, that may be causing seizures. MRIs are also used to diagnose and monitor conditions like multiple sclerosis.
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Spinal tap
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Also known as a lumbar puncture, a spinal tap involves the insertion of a needle into the space surrounding the spinal cord in the lower back (the lumbar region) to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. This test helps identify inflammation and bacterial infections and may be used to help diagnose multiple sclerosis, among other conditions.
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Sleep studies
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Some sleep disorders have neurological causes, and some patients with neurologic conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, may experience sleep problems. If you are experiencing sleep disruption, your doctor may recommend a sleep study. These painless tests, usually administered in one of our sleep centers, monitor the quantity and quality of your sleep.