Neurosurgery Diagnostics & Testing

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You may need tests to find out what is happening with your brain or spine. These tests may include:

Angiography – Examines your blood vessels using X-ray
Biopsy – Tests a tissue sample to detect a disease
Computed tomography (CT) scan – Takes a series of detailed X-ray images from many angles to help detect disease in your bones, blood vessels and soft tissue
Electroencephalography (EEG) – Records electrical activity in your brain to test for certain conditions, such as epilepsy
Genetic testing – Tests your DNA and examines your family history for certain conditions that can be passed genetically from parent to child
Laboratory screening tests – Examines samples such as blood or urine to test for a variety of disorders
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – Uses radio waves to create images of inside your body
Positron emission tomography (PET) scan – Measures body functions such as blood flow by scanning your body after you’re injected with a special dye
Ultrasound imaging – Creates images of the inside of your body using high-frequency sound waves