| Diagnostic Technologies Provide Detailed Images, Precise Diagnosis
The Neuroscience team depends on a number of highly sophisticated tools to diagnose disorders of the brain, neck and back. Today's imaging and monitoring technology is far more precise than ever before, producing multidimensional pictures that provide critical information to help physicians pinpoint problems.
As a result, treatment can be tailored specifically for each patient's unique condition. Technology also has fostered the development of less risky and less invasive treatment options.
Neuroradiology: The Neuroradiology program at Holy Cross Hospital utilizes some of today's most advanced imaging technology and is led by experienced diagnostic neuroradiologists who interpret the images these tools produce.
Neuroradiologists work with neurologists and neurosurgeons to diagnose disorders, including stroke, arteriovenous malformation, spinal problems, brain tumors, epilepsy, and disorders of the nervous system. They also help "map the brain" prior to surgery, allowing neurosurgeons to reach the problem area without damaging surrounding brain tissue.
The technology in the suite includes:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- CT Scan (also known as CAT scan or Computerized Axial Tomography)
- Bi-Plane Angiography, an advanced technology that produces real-time images of complex structures and blood vessels from two different angles. ?
Epilepsy Monitoring Unit: Unique in a community hospital, the dedicated facility houses state-of-the-art technology to monitor and evaluate patients with seizures. Some of these tools record normal and abnormal brain activity over a period of time to diagnose or rule out epilepsy or other seizure disorders. Others create detailed images to help physicians pinpoint the area of the brain producing the seizures. At Holy Cross Hospital, epileptologists - neurologists who specialize in epilepsy - use the following to diagnose the cause of and to best treat seizures:
- Video EEG (electroencephalogram) monitoring records subtle abnormalities in the brain's electrical activity while patients are awake and asleep (sleep-deprived EEG).
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results in digital images of structures inside the brain.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) shows blood flow in the brain and chemical activity.
- The Wada Test determines the locations in the brain that control speech and memory.
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