KCNMG's Knowledge Base


what is? . . .

 

Carotid Ultrasound

bio

  • ultrasound (Also called sonography.) a diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess blood flow through various vessels.

 

Electromyogram (EMG)

emg

  • electrodiagnostic tests (i.e., electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity, or NCV) - studies that evaluate and diagnose disorders of the muscles and motor neurons. Electrodes are inserted into the muscle, or placed on the skin overlying a muscle or muscle group, and electrical activity and muscle response are recorded.

 

  • positron emission tomography (PET) - in nuclear medicine, a procedure that measures the metabolic activity of cells.

 

  • arteriogram (Also called an angiogram.) - an x-ray of the arteries and veins to detect blockage or narrowing of the vessels.

 

  • evoked potentials - procedures that record the brain's electrical response to visual, auditory and sensory stimuli.

 

  • myelogram - a procedure that uses dye injected into the spinal canal to make the structure clearly visible on x-rays.

 

 



Electroencephalogram (EEG)

EEG
  • electroencephalogram (EEG) - a procedure that records the brain's continuous, electrical activity by means of electrodes attached to the scalp.

 

Lumbar Puncture

LP

  • spinal tap (Also called a lumbar puncture.) - a special needle is placed into the lower back, into the spinal canal. This is the area around the spinal cord. The pressure in the spinal canal and brain can then be measured. A small amount of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) can be removed and sent for testing to determine if there is an infection or other problems. CSF is the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord.

 

  • computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.

 

  • magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.

 

neurosonography - a procedure that uses ultra high-frequency sound waves that enable the physician to analyze blood flow in cases of possible stroke.


Diagnostic Intructions . . .

 

(EEG) Electroencephalogram

Preparation:

  1. Please wash your hair the night before the test. No oils, sprays, or lotion should be used on your hair.
  2. Please avoid all foods/drinks containing caffeine for 8 hours before the test.
  3. It may be necessary to sleep during the test, so you may be asked to reduce your sleep time the night before.

Procedure:

  • This procedure is performed by an EEG technician and typically lasts 20-40 minutes.
  • You may be positioned on your back, on a table, or in a reclining chair.
  • The technician will apply between 16 and 25 flat metal discs (electrodes) in different positions on your scalp.
  • The discs are held in place with a sticky paste. The electrodes are connected by wires to an amplifier and the recording machine which converts the electrical signals into a series of wavy lines which are drawn onto a moving piece of graph paper.

 

EMG/NCV

EMG Preparation:

No special preparation is usually necessary.

Procedure:

  1. The electrical activity detected by this electrode is displayed on an oscilloscope.
  2. You may be asked to contract the muscle.
  3. To perform intramuscular EMG, a needle electrode is inserted through the skin into the muscle tissue. A trained medical professional observes the electrical activity while inserting the electrode.

NCV Procedure:

The nerve is stimulated, usually with surface electrodes, which are patch-like electrodes (similar to those used for ECG) placed on the skin over the nerve at various locations.One electrode stimulates the nerve with a very mild electrical impulse. The resulting electrical activity is recorded by the other electrodes. The distance between electrodes and the time it takes for electrical impulses to travel between electrodes are used to calculate the nerve conduction velocity. Electromyography is the second part of this test and is often done within one week of the NCS.

How It Feels:

The test is not invasive, but can be a little painful due to the electrical shocks. However, the shocks are associated with such a low amount of electrical current that they are not dangerous to anyone.
There should be no residual pain once the test is finished.