ATI, CH3: Neurologic Diagnostic Procedures

Cerebral Angiogram

- what type of diagnostic procedure provides visualization of the cerebral blood vessels?? - Digital Subtraction (type) - "subtracts"the bones & tissues from the images, providing x-rays w/ only the vessels apparent. - the procedure is performed w/in the radiology department, b/c xrays images provide documentation of blood vessel integrity. - INDICATIONS: *this is used to assess the blood flow to & w/in the brain, identify Aneurysms, & define the vascularity of tumors. It may also be used therapeutically to inject med's that treat blood clots or to administer chemo. *Study pg 32 for further "necessary" info *Movements are restricted for 8-12 hrs to prevent rebleeding at the catheter site.

Radiography (X-Ray)

- what type of diagnostic procedure uses electromagnetic radiation to capture images of the internal structures of an individual?? - INDICATIONS: *these type of exams can reveal fractures, curvatures, bone erosion & dislocation, & possible soft tissue calcification, all of which can damage the nervous syst.

PET & SPECT Scans

- what type of neurological diagnostic procedure are nuclear medicine procedures that produce three-dimensional images of the head?? These images can be static (depicting vessels) or functional (depicting brain activity). *a glucose based tracer is injected into the blood stream prior to this scan. This initiates regional metabolic actiivity which is then documented by the scanner. - INDICATIONS: *these type of scans capture of regional metabolic is most useful in determining tumor activity &/or response to txt also able to determine the presence of dementia, indicated by the ability of the brain to respond to the tracer *Study pg 41 for further "necessary" info

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

- what type of neurological diagnostic procedure concentrates on neurologic function & is useful to determine the level o f consciousness & monitor response to txt?? It is reported as a #, which allows health care providers to immediately determine if neurologic changes have occurred. - INDICATIONS: *helpful in determining changes in the LOC for pts w/ head injuries, space occupying lesions or cerebral infarctions, & encephalitis. Important b/ ccomplications related to neurologic injuries may occur rapidly & require immediate txt. *Study pg 35 for further "necessary" info.

Intracranial Pressure (ICP) Monitoring

- what type of neurological diagnostic procedure involves an ICP monitor device inserted into the cranial cavity that records pressure & is connected to a monitor that shows a picture of the pressure waveforms?? *facilitates continual assessment & is more precise than vague clinical manifestations. *insertion procedure always done by neurosurgeon in OR, ER, or Critical care unit. rarely used unless pt is comatose. - Three Basic Types of Monitoring Systems: 1.) Intraventricular Catheter (Ventriculostomy) 2.) Subarachnoid Screw or Bolt 3.) Epidural or Subdural sensor *Study Pg 37 for further "necessary" info. *Normal ICP is 10-15 mm Hg. *CPP = MAP - ICP * CPP should be maintained above 70-80 mm Hg.

Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)

- what type of neurological diagnostic procedure is a procedure during which a small amount of CSF is withdrawn from the spinal canal & then analyzed to determine its constituents?? - INDICATIONS: *This procedure is used to detect the presence of certain diseases (multiple sclerosis, syphilis), infection, & malignancies. May also be used to administer medication or chemo directly to spinal fluid. *Study pg 38-39 for further "necessary" info.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan

- what type of neurological diagnostic procedure provides cross-sectional images of the cranial cavity. A contrast media may be used to enhance the images?? *Unlike CT scans, these images are obtained using using magnets, thus the consequences associated w/ radiation are avoided. Safer for pregnancy. *Use of magnets precludes the ability to scan a pt who has an artificial device (ex, pacemaker). If these are present, shielding may be done to prevent injury. - INDICATIONS: *used to detect abnormalities, monitor response to txt, & guide needles for biopsy. *are capable of discriminating soft tissue from tumor or bone. More effective at determining tumor size & blood vessel location. *Study pg 40 for further "necessary" info.

Electroencephalography (EEG)

- what type of neurosensory diagnostic procedure is a non-invasive procedure that assesses the electrical activity of the brain & is used to determine if there are abnormalities in brain wave patterns?? - INDICATIONS: *most commonly performed to ID & determine seizure activity but they are also useful for detecting sleep disorders & behavioral changes. *Study pg 34 for further "necessary" info.

Cerebral Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

- what type of neurosensory diagnostic procedure provides cross sectional images of the cranial cavity. A contrast media may be used to enhance the images?? - INDICATIONS: *used to ID tumors & infarctions, detect abnormalities, monitor response to txt, & guide needles used for biopsies. *Study pg 33 for further "necessary" info