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electrodiagnostic procedures | diagnostic procedures used to evaluate the function of the nervous system by recording the electrical signals produced in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves |
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electroencephalogram (EEG) | record of the minute electrical impulses of the brain; used to identify neurologic conditions that affect brain function and level of consciousness |
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evoked potentials | record of minute electrical potentials (waves) that are extracted from ongoing EEG activity to diagnose auditory, visual, and sensory pathway disorders; also used to monitor the neurologic function of patients during surgery |
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polysomnography | recording of various aspects of sleep (e.g., eye and muscle |
(PSG) | movements, respiration, and EEG patterns) to diagnose sleep disorders |
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lumbar puncture (LP) | introduction of a specialized needle into the spine in the lumbar region for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, such as to obtain CSF for testing; also called spinal tap |
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magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (see Figs. 8-3, 8-4, and 8-10) | nonionizing imaging technique using magnetic fields and radiofrequency waves to visualize anatomic structures (especially soft tissue), such as the tissues of the brain and spinal cord |
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magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) | magnetic resonance imaging of blood vessels to detect pathologic conditions, such as thrombosis and atherosclerosis |
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intracranial MRA | magnetic resonance image of the head to visualize the vessels of the circle of Willis (common site of cerebral aneurysm, stenosis, or occlusion) |
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extracranial MRA | magnetic resonance image of the neck to visualize the carotid artery |
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nuclear medicine imaging | radionuclide organ imaging |
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single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) brain scan | scan combining nuclear medicine and computed tomography to produce images of the brain after the administration of radioactive isotopes |
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positron-emission tomography (PET) | technique combining nuclear medicine and computed tomography to produce images of brain anatomy and corresponding physiology; used to study stroke, Alzheimer disease, epilepsy, metabolic brain disorders, chemistry of nerve transmissions in the brain, and |
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radiography | x-ray imaging |
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cerebral angiogram | x-ray of blood vessels in the brain after intracarotid injection of contrast medium |
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computed tomography (CT) of the head | computed tomographic (x-ray) images of the head used to visualize abnormalities, such as brain tumors and malformations |
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myelogram | x-ray of the spinal cord obtained after intraspinal injection of contrast medium |
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reflex testing | test performed to observe the body′s response to a stimulus |
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deep tendon reflexes (DTR) | involuntary muscle contraction after percussion at a tendon (e.g., patella or Achilles) indicating function; positive findings are either no reflex response or an exaggerated response to stimulus; numbers are often used to record responses |
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Babinski sign | pathologic response to stimulation of the plantar surface of the foot; a positive sign is indicated when the toes dorsiflex |
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Babinski reflex | (curl upward) |
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transcranial Doppler sonogram | image made by sending ultrasound beams through the skull to assess blood flow in intracranial vessels; used in the diagnosis and management of stroke and head trauma |