A computerized axial tomography scan is more commonly known by its abbreviated name, CT scan or CAT scan. It is an x-ray procedure which combines many x-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional views and, if needed,   more »

Nerves convey information to the body by sending electrical signals down the length of the nerve. These signals can be recorded by wires placed over the nerves on the surface of the skin, in a procedure called an evoked potential (EP) study. The   more »

The first MS symptom that I experienced was double vision. In the early 80’s I saw a shadowy outline of all objects in the distance. Sometimes the object separated into two distinct items, one lighter than the other. The shadowy outline seemed to float    more »

MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique that does not involve exposure to radiation. MR images of the spine are clearer and more detailed than with other imaging methods. This detail makes MRI an   more »

Your exam will last between 30 and 60 minutes. You will need to lie still for periods of 3 to 10 minutes at a time while the series of images are collected. You can breathe freely during this time. You may, in some cases, be allowed to move slightly between   more »

Today there is information and images about: 1. The MRI Exam 2. Screening 3. The Imager   more »

The future of MRI seems limited only by our imagination. This technology is still in its infancy, comparatively speaking. It has been in widespread use for less than 20 years (compared with   more »

Although MRI scans are ideal for diagnosing and evaluating a number of conditions, it does have drawbacks. For example: Ø There are many people who cannot safely be scanned with   more »

CSF protects the brain and spinal cord from injury by acting like a liquid cushion. CSF is usually obtained through a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). During the procedure,   more »

Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) is a clear fluid that circulates in the space surrounding the spinal cord and brain. CSF protects the brain and spinal cord from injury by acting like a liquid cushion.   more »

A lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, is a procedure to collect cerebrospinal fluid to check for the presence of disease or injury. A spinal needle is inserted, usually between the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae in the lower spine. Once the needle is   more »

kept thinking that ‘Lumbar Puncture’ sounded so ominous. I knew that lumbar meant the spinal cord and that puncture meant hole. I wondered who would knowingly want to have someone create a hole in any area of their spinal cord. Then I   more »

The fact that MRI systems do not use ionizing radiation is a comfort to many patients, as is the fact that MRI contrast materials have a very low incidence of side effects. Another major advantage of MRI is its ability to image in any plane. CT is   more »

Most imaging modalities use injectable contrast, or dyes, for certain procedures. MRI is no different. What is different is the type of contrast we use,   more »

When I was booked for my lumbar puncture the neurologist’s nurse said “Drink a lot of coke during the day before your lumbar puncture, as well as on the day you have your lumbar puncture, in the morning before you actually have it”. She continued, “The more coke you drink the better it will be afterwards.” She also   more »