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X-RAY -
Xrays are
radiation waves which can pass through your body and create images of
your internal body organs, tissues and bone. Xrays are an effective way
to create images of your bones, skull and some other organs. It is
especially useful for looking at bone alignment and detail.
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CATScan -
CAT is an
abbreviation for computerized axial tomography. A CAT Scan is very
similar to an Xray in that the CAT Scan machine uses Xrays to develop 3D
images of your body, however it typically shows much better bone detail.
It’s a much more comprehensive test than standard Xray because it
captures images of your body in “slices” from many different angles.
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MRI
- MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging,
and it is a very effective way for the Doctor to see inside your body.
The MRI scanner is a large donut-shaped piece of equipment that uses a
magnet to create clear images of your body. It does this by creating a
magnetic field, sending radio waves through your body then measuring the
response with a computer. The images created by an MRI scanner are
generally superior to other imaging methods. MRI gives a much more
detailed view of the soft tissues inside your body.
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EMG AND NCS -
EMG
stands for electromyography, and this test is performed to measure the
electrical activity of muscles. It is important in determining if you
are having a problem related to specific nerves, the brain, the spinal
cord or a particular muscle.
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EEG -
EEG is the abbreviation for Electroencephalogram. An EEG test is
designed to record brain waves. Brain waves are the electrical
activities and signals that the brain creates. Your doctor may order an
EEG test to help in diagnosing Seizures or Cerebral Lesions and Tumors.
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MYELOGRAM -
A
myelogram is a type of Xray test. The difference between a myelogram
test and a standard Xray is that, with a myelogram, a dye is injected
into the spinal canal to help highlight the spinal cord and nerve roots.
The dye that is injected into the spinal canal shows details of the
spinal cord and nerve roots and helps identify abnormalities. This test
shows a high level of detail and is helpful in determining the causes of
pressure on nerve roots such as a herniated disc, an injury or a tumor.
For patients who may have metal plates or screws in their spine, a
myelogram may be preferable to a standard MRI or CAT Scan.
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DISCOGRAM –
This test helps
identify which discs in the spinal column that cause pain. A needle is
placed into the spaces between the discs under x-ray guidance, after
which “dye” is injected. A CT scan is then performed.
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ANGIOGRAPHY
(ANGIOGRAM) –
An angiogram is used
to evaluate arteries and veins in the head, neck, and brain. The test
involves a doctor inserting a catheter into a major artery in the
groin. Once the dye is injected into the artery, x-rays are taken. The
test is often used to determine the degree of narrowing of an artery and
to detect the location and size of aneurysms and vascular malformations.
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EPIDURAL STEROID
INJECTION -
An
epidural steroid injection is performed by placing a needle between the
bones in the middle of the spine and then injecting cortisone mixed with
a dilute local anesthetic. By injecting into the epidural space
medication can be delivered very close to nerves that are irritated by
problems such as ruptured or degenerated discs, bone spurs , narrowing
of the spine or nerve openings , and other conditions. The procedure is
further identified by the level of the spine at which it is performed
such as lumbar (in the lower back) and cervical (in the neck). Today,
most epidural injections are fluoroscopically guided, which means the
physician is watching the injection using live X-ray, not doing the
procedure “blind” by just feeling the needle.
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