If you are experiencing any symptoms that may be related to a neurological disorder,
our specialists are available to deliver timely, accurate diagnostic testing.
Our expert staff performs a full range of neurological exams, diagnostic tests and
procedures using the latest technology. Whether you come to us with a diagnosis or
new complaints, we will perform the tests necessary to ensure that you receive the
care you need.
Diagnostic imaging tests
We offer an array of diagnostic testing:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field to produce detailed images of your brain, face, neck, nervous
system and spine.
- Ultrasonography or neurosonography the brain and nervous system to look for problems affecting the brain and spinal cord.
- Computed tomography (CT) uses radiation, and sometimes injected contrast dye, to produce multiple images of
the head and spine. A computer then combines the images to give your doctor a cross-sectional
view of the brain or spine to determine possible causes of your symptoms.
- Arteriogram uses contrast dye and X-ray to produce images of blood vessels in the brain, head
and neck to look for blockages.
- Myelogram uses contrast dye that is injected into the spinal canal, the space formed by the
vertebrae that surrounds the spinal cord, along with X-ray or CT. This test looks
for issues with the spinal cord or canal.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) uses a radioactive drug, also called tracer, to evaluate how the brain is functioning.
- Single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) evaluates blood flow and activity in the brain to diagnose Alzheimer's disease, as
well as other neurodegenerative diseases, strokes, seizures and memory loss.
Diagnostic clinical procedures
We offer diagnostic clinical procedures:
- Electrodiagnostic tests use electrodes to look at the electrical activity that moves from the brain to the
motor nerves to the muscles. This test looks for problems with the motor neurons and
muscles. Two types include electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV).
- Electroencephalography (EEG) uses electrodes to evaluate electrical charges that are produced in the brain. Our
specialists review this data to look for problems with the electrical activity in
the brain.
- Evoked potentials tests use electrodes to evaluate how the brain responds to stimulation through sight, sound
and touch. It is effective in helping to diagnose and treat disorders, such as multiple
sclerosis. Three types include the brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) test,
somatosensory evoked response (SSER) test and visual evoked response (VER) test.
- Spinal tap involves inserting a needle into the lower back to collect cerebrospinal fluid to
look for infections, cancers and nervous system disorders.
- Brain biopsy involves removing a small piece of abnormal brain tissue and studying it under a
microscope to distinguish normal brain tissue from abnormal brain tissue.
Neurological Treatments
At Augusta University Neurosciences Center of Excellence, we offer a wide range of
neurological treatments. These treatments include both noninvasive and surgical procedures.
Our neurologists and neurosurgeons will help you determine the right treatments for
you.
We pride ourselves in our ability to offer advanced treatments, such as deep brain
stimulation and complex stent placement. We also perform advanced techniques to remove
blood clots in the brain.
Noninvasive treatments
We offer medications to manage symptoms, such as pain. We also offer Gamma Knife noninvasive stereotactic radiosurgery to treat tumors, pain and seizures. The system
uses radiation beams to target small areas of the brain.
Minimally invasive treatments
We offer a wide range of minimally invasive treatments:
- Injections to treat pain, inflammation, movement disorders and many other neurological disorders
- Cerebral angiography to evaluate and treat vascular and tumor lesions
- MRI-guided laser ablation, which uses light energy to target and kill brain tumors and treat epilepsy while protecting
healthy tissue
Minimally invasive surgery
Our neurosurgeons are experts in performing minimally invasive surgeries on the brain,
spine and nerves. :
- Aneurysm coiling and embolization to treat brain lesions, such as aneurysms, vascular malformations and complex brain
tumors
- Cerebrovascular and general neurosurgery to restore neurological function
- Device implantation procedures, including deep brain stimulators to treat movement disorders and epilepsy, as well
as peripheral nerve stimulators to treat chronic pain
- Peripheral nerve surgery to evaluate and diagnose conditions, such as peripheral nerve disorder
Surgical procedures
If you and your doctor decide that surgery is right for you, rest assured that you’re
in good hands. Our neurosurgeons deliver expertise in performing complex surgery of
the brain, spine and nerves. We offer a wide range of cerebrovascular and general
neurosurgery procedures
Support services
Dealing with a neurological disorder can feel overwhelming. We offer services to help
you and your loved ones understand the condition and navigate it together. We offer:
- Nutrition counseling with certified dietitians who partner with your doctor to improve symptoms for certain
neurological disorders
- Occupational therapy for movement disorders and multiple sclerosis to help you regain the skills you need
to perform daily tasks
- Physical therapy for movement disorders and multiple sclerosis to help you regain strength
- Behavioral health care with neuropsychologists and psychologists who diagnose and treat neurological disorders
and determine how they affect your health
- Social work to point you toward resources to help you during your hospital stay and postoperative
care
- Speech pathology for movement disorders and multiple sclerosis to help you regain verbal skills
- Support groups for ALS, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and trigeminal
neuralgia to give you an opportunity to connect with others