Neurodiagnostics

Neurodiagnostics encompasses a wide range of tests and procedures designed to diagnose and monitor neurological conditions. These diagnostic tools provide a comprehensive assessment of neurological health, ensuring accurate diagnosis and effective management of various neurological conditions.

Neurodiagnostic Testing and Imaging

Angiography

This test uses X-ray, CT scan or other types of imaging and a special injection of dye, known as contrast, to show how blood is flowing through brain blood vessels, the heart and other blood vessels in the body.

Biopsy

The removal of bodily tissues, such as muscles, nerves and skin, to look for signs of disease.

Cardiac MRI

During a Cardiac MRI, images of a patient's body are taken using a magnet, radio waves and a computer. The MRI machine does not touch the child's body and does not use X-rays or radiation. To avoid exposing patients to radiation whenever possible.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

This test uses a series of X-rays taken from different angles to create detailed images.

Dual X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan

Also known as a bone density scan, this test measures bone density and bone loss.

Echocardiogram (ECHO)

This diagnostic procedure uses ultrasound waves to create images of the heart. An echo can help identify congenital heart problems.

For children under age 3, we offer a sedated echo, because it may be difficult for the child to stay still. Sedated means that we give your child medicine to fall asleep.

Electrocardiogram

A noninvasive procedure used to detect certain abnormal heart rhythms. This is done by placing Electrodes (electrical sensing devices) on the body in standardized locations to measures the electrical activity of a child's heart.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

This test detects patterns of normal and abnormal brain electrical activity. This painless test may be done during an outpatient appointment, or your child may be admitted to the hospital. Depending on your child’s needs, we may offer ambulatory monitoring, which allows them to complete testing at home.

Video EEG (Electroencephalogram) This test is primarily used to diagnose epilepsy and seizures. The video records the reaction your child is having, and the EEG measures the brain waves and electrical activity. Your child can receive this test at our six-bed epilepsy monitoring unit in the Level 4 Epilepsy Center at Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital.

Electromyogram (EMG)

An EMG measures muscle activity while your child is at rest and moving to determine whether your child has a muscle issue or nerve problem.

Functional MRI (fMRI)

This advanced imaging test measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow. It shows which areas of the brain are active when your child performs specific tasks.

Genetic Testing

There are various genetic tests that examine whole chromosomes, measure protein produced by genes or look for small DNA mutations. These tests identify gene mutations that cause specific conditions.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

This scan uses a magnet and radio waves to produce 3D images of the inside of the body including organs, bones, muscles and blood vessels.

Nerve conduction study

Also called a nerve conduction velocity (NCV) this test is used to determine how quickly electrical signals pass through your child’s nerves.

Neuropsychological testing

A pediatric neuropsychologist evaluates cognition and behavior as they relate to brain function. A neuropsychological test can provide information regarding a child's:

Attention and concentration
Fine motor skills
Intellectual abilities
Language
Memory and learning
Problem-solving abilities

Neuropsychological testing may involve games, activities and other tasks that assess what your child can learn, pay attention to and remember. Your specialist will use the information they gather from evaluation and testing to:

Help confirm a diagnosis
Record your child’s functioning before and after treatment or surgery
Inform treatment decisions and develop a personalized epilepsy treatment plan
Make recommendations for accommodations at school, at home and in the community

Positron emission tomography (PET) Scan

This imaging test uses a low dose of a radioactive substance to visualize and measure changes in metabolic and other processes in the body and brain, such as blood flow.

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs)

Also known as a lung function test, PFTs assess how well the lungs are working by measuring how much air your child’s lungs can hold, how much air goes from their lungs to their blood and some also measure how exercise affects the lungs.

Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) brain scan

This scan uses a radioactive substance to show and measure blood flow in the brain. It may help identify where seizures start.

Ultrasound

Also known as sonography, this scan uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the body's internal structures.

X-Ray

This image test uses electromagnetic waves to create images of internal structures such as tissues, bones, and organs.