Neurological disorder tests and treatments vary depending on the neurological condition. Our diagnostic services include complete neurologic evaluation, including:
- Digital subtraction angiography, arteriography and myography, with appropriate neuroradiology support (at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center)
- Computerized tomography (CT)
- Long-term video and ambulatory EEG monitoring
- Lumbar puncture (LP)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Neuromuscular electrophysiology (EMG)
- Visual, auditory, somatosensory evoked potentials
We hold the following subspeciality clinics at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center:
- Dementia
- Epilepsy
- Headache
- Memory
- Movement disorders
- Muscular dystrophy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Neuro-oncology
- Pediatric neurology
- Stroke
Tests
At your first appointment, we will interview you to obtain your medical history and perform a neurological examination.
The neurological examination may involve testing your motor and sensory skills, including checking your strength, coordination, and balance. We may also check your hearing, speech, vision, and memory.
As part of our evaluation, we may request one or more of the following tests. Some of these links go to our Healthwise® Health Encyclopedia.
- CT (computed tomography) scan: A test that uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of structures inside of the body
- Electromyography (EMG): An electrical study of nerves and muscle
- Inpatient video monitoring: Testing that allows us to monitor and observe epileptic seizures.
- Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA): A type of MRI that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio energy to provide pictures of blood vessels inside the body
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body.
- Muscle or nerve biopsy: Surgery where a sample of muscle or nerve tissue is removed so it can be examined in a laboratory
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET): A test that uses a special type of camera and a tracer (radioactive substance) to look at organs in the body
- Single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) scan: A scan that uses a radioactive substance and a special camera to create 3-D pictures. Information provided by Mayo Clinic.
Treatments
Treatments will vary depending on the neurological condition with which you are diagnosed, but may include:
- Medications
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Speech therapy
- Support groups
In special cases, surgery may be required.