Abstract
Neurologic tests can establish a diagnosis when several possible diagnoses exist, help make therapeutic decisions, and assess the results of treatment. These tests are divided into the evaluation of (a) function, (b) structure, and (c) underlying molecular/genetic abnormalities. Tests to evaluate function include the neurologic exam, neuropsychological tests, electroencephalogram, electromyogram, and nerve conduction tests. Tests to evaluate nervous system structure include lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid examination, neuroimaging, single photon/positron emission computed tomography (SPECT or PET), and finally, to assess underlying genetic abnormalities, specialized genetic tests are indicated. Each of these neurologic tests is discussed in terms of their basic principles, indications, cost, and possible side effects.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Recommended Reading
Fishman RA. Cerebrospinal fluid in diseases of the nervous system. 2nd edn. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1992. (Excellent compendium of normal CSF values and changes that occur in many diseases)
Biskup S, Gasser T. Genetic testing in neurological diseases. J Neurol. 2012;259:1249–54. (Nice general review of the types of genetic disorders seen in neurologic diseases and current testing to detect them)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2015 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Davis, L., Pirio Richardson, S. (2015). Common Neurologic Tests. In: Fundamentals of Neurologic Disease. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2359-5_3
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2359-5_3
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-2358-8
Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-2359-5
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)