Neurology Tests
What Are Neurological Tests?
Neurological tests mainly refer to the diagnostic tests recommended to determine the neurological or nerve functions of the body.
Neurology tests are performed to diagnose a typical peripheral neuropathy. Based on the symptoms of a patient, physical examination, and medical history, different tests may be recommended as measures to diagnose the underlying condition. The following tests are also conducted:
- Electrodiagnostic Tests: These tests are mainly used to measure the electrical activities of nerves and muscles. Measuring electrical activity helps doctors determine nerve damage, the extent of damage, and the cause of damage. Neurologists recommend common and non-invasive neurological evaluations like electromyography (EMG test) or nerve conduction velocity test (NCV test).
- Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST): This method is used to diagnose peripheral nervous system complications or disorders, such as chronic pain due to underlying diseases like CRPS and Diabetes. It principally determines the threshold of pain and sensation for warm and cold temperatures and any sensation of vibration threshold by activating the skin and further comparing results to the normative values available in the software. When a specific stimulus activates its corresponding stimuli-specific receptors, nerve fibres innervate those receptors communicating the message of the stimuli to the CNS, where the sensation of pain occurs.
- Autonomic Testing: These tests measure the systems controlled by automatic nerves responding to stimulation in the human body. Data collected during the test indicates whether the automatic nervous system has been functioning as usual or not. If not, there is likely nerve damage. This non-invasive, painless test also helps determine if the patient is having some underlying disease that is attacking the autonomic nervous system, or a way of diagnosing a disease, or the source and cause of pain.
What is NCV Test?
NCV Test (Nerve Condition Velocity) is the most common type of test that measures the speed of electrical impulses moving through the nerves. NCV test happens to be the marker for potential nerve damage.
During this test, the nerve would be stimulated with the help of patches of electrodes attached to the skin. Using two electrodes would be placed on the skin over the nerve. While one electrode would stimulate the nerve with a gentle electrical impulse, the other electrode would record it. The process is repeated for one nerve at a time that needs to be tested.
Thereafter, the speed would be calculated by calculating the distance between the electrodes and the time is taken for electrical impulse travelling between electrodes.
Related tests like EEG scan, EMG test, VEP test, and SSEP test may be done to measure different markers. These tests determine the location, presence, and extent of nerve disease that damages the muscles too.
NCV test can be done in Delhi at some of the top centres for neurological tests. Before going for the test, it is better to know about NCV test price along with EEG test price, and EMG test cost, as these tests are done together.
When Is It Necessary To Do NCV Test?
NCV test is usually done together with the EMG test to determine the difference between muscle disorder and nerve (neurological) disorder. NCV helps detect the problematic nerve, while the EMG test detects whether the muscles are working efficiently in response to the stimulus of the nerve.
Book an appointment today and get attractive discounts on NCV test cost in delhi
NCV test helps detect the following conditions or diseases:
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Chronic Inflammatory Polyneuropathy and Neuropathy
- Herniated Disk Diseases
- Sciatic Nerve Disorders
What Is SSEP Test?
SSEP (Somatosensory Evoked Potentials) test evaluates the major sensory pathways when electrical signals travel from nerve endings of the arms and legs to reach the brain. The test evaluates if there is some interruption along this pathway.
The test involves using tiny electrodes placed on the head and some other parts of the body like the neck, arms, legs, and lower back. Mild electrical pulses are sent for several minutes in each part being evaluated. The results are recorded in the computer as nerves in the limbs, brain and spinal cord respond to this stimulation. Neurologists interpret the results.
It takes about 15 minutes to test each nerve and approximately 60 minutes to test Lower and Upper SSEP when done together.
What Is EEG Test?
Electroencephalography or EEG test is a method of electrophysiological monitor, which records the brain’s electrical activity. It is a non-invasive procedure. Electrodes are positioned along the scalp, though invasive electrodes may be used in the procedure.
EEG scan measures fluctuating voltage that results from an ionic current inside the brain neurons. Clinically, an EEG test records the spontaneous electrical activities of the brain over a certain period. Diagnostic applications focus on potentials related to events or on EEG spectral content.
EEG brain test price is generally the same across Delhi. However, better facilities often have higher charges.
What is VEP Test?
VEP test, or Visually Evoked Potential Test, is conducted to detect Optic Neuritis or similar demyelinating events targeting the optic nerve or along the back of the optic pathways. VEP test is sensitive at calculating responses of individuals to visuals. It detects dysfunction that may not be detected through a routine clinical examination.
Doctors recommend VEP tests when patients experience vision changes due to neurological problems affecting the pathways of nerves.
The VEP test takes 30 minutes. VEP test price varies from one facility to another depending on the location and other related factors.
How To Locate BERA Test Centres Near Me?
Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry, or BERA Test, is a diagnostic tool and a neurophysiological method to diagnose and evaluate the structural as well as functional integrity of hearing path starting with the inner ear to reach the midbrain. The procedure detects disorders involving the vestibulocochlear nerves up to the brainstem. It is primarily recommended to kids at an increased risk of hearing loss like hyperactive or intellectually impaired children or kids who do not respond to audiometry, BERA Test price varies in Delhi.