Guidelines & Protocol for Neurological Testing

Diagnosing neurological disorders, like Huntington's disease and cerebral palsy, can be complex. Neurological testing can be used to confirm a diagnosis or eliminate conditions in question. These diagnostic tests can be done during pregnancy or after birth.

History

• In the early 1900s neurological testing was limited to examining patients after death. As technology advanced and examining a living brain became possible, the field of neurological testing reached a whole new level of possibilities.

Purpose

• Doctors have to have a reason to order diagnostic tests. The decision to order such a test should be based on several factors, such as a neurological examination, family history and X-rays.

Types

• There are many forms of neurological testing. Some diagnostic tests are general and aim to narrow down the number of possible diagnoses. Other tests are specifically designed to confirm or eliminate a possible diagnosis.

Pre-birth Tests

• Chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis are two diagnostic tests which can be done during pregnancy. Chorionic villus sampling should be done within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy while amniocentesis should be performed during the fourth month of pregnancy.

Other Diagnostic Tests

• CAT scans and electroencephalographs are two common neurological tests used for diagnosing neurological disorders. Blood and urine tests are also beneficial in the diagnosis process.