Angiogram: invasive procedure used for detail image of arterial blood vessels in the brain (cerebral angiogram) of spine (spinal angiogram). It involves placing a small catheter in the artery (usually femoral artery), coloring the artery with dye and taking an X-ray picture. Useful for detecting narrowing, aneurysm, bleeding or malformations in the brain.

Computerized Tomography (CT Scanning): a test that generates body  images. It is useful for imaging bone, tumors and cysts. Images are generated by X-ray machine connected to a computer.  Contrast via a shot  is occasionally used to “color” structures of interest. Complements MRI studies.

Computerized Tomography Angiography  (CTA Scanning) a test that generates images of the Arterial System. It is useful for imaging arteries of the brain and neck, aneurysms or vascular malformations. Images are generated by an X-ray machine connected to a computer. Contrast via a shot  is occasionally used to “color” structures of interest

Echocardiogram: non-invasive ultrasound procedure used to picture different heart structures.  Useful to look at clots, valve problems or previous heart damage.

Electroencephalogram (EEG): Non-invasive test that records brain wave activity. Superficial skin electrodes are connected to the scalp and recording is made via a computer. EEG studies last approximately 45 minutes.  EEG testing is mostly useful for diagnosis of seizures

 Epidural Steroid Injection: outpatient procedure useful for treatment of Lumbar (low back) or Cervical (neck) pain. Involves placing a small amount of steroid (potent anti-inflammatory agent) near the affected spinal region. Usually done with live X-ray guidance

Evoked Potentials: non-invasive test used to measure function of certain nerve structures including optic nerves, spinal cord or brainstem. It involves stimulating with a flashing lights (eyes), clicking sounds (ears) or small electrical currents (arm or leg) and recording on the scalp with an EEG electrode. Useful for detecting lesions of the optic nerves, spinal cord or brainstem.

Laminectomy: surgical procedure used for treating pinched nerves. It involves removing a small bone in the spine called lamina allowing removing a herniated disk or releasing a pinched nerve. Most often used for pinched nerves in the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) region

Magnetic Resonance Imaging  (MRI) : a test that generates very detailed pictures of the nervous system, spinal cord and other structures such as ligaments, disks and blood vessels. It uses a powerful magnetic field and via a computer generates pictures. Most MRI studies last 20-40 minutes. Contrast (gadolinium) via a shot  is occasionally used to “color” structures of interest.

Magnetic Resonance Angiography  (MRA) : same test as the MRI , generates very detailed pictures of the arteries of the brain or neck. It uses a powerful magnetic field and via a computer generates pictures. Most MRA studies last 20 minutes. Contrast (gadolinium) via a shot  is occasionally used to “color” structures of interest

Magnetic Resonance Venography  (MRV) : same test as the MRI , generates very detailed pictures of the veins in the brain. It uses a powerful magnetic field and via a computer generates pictures. Most MRV studies last 20 minutes. Contrast (gadolinium) via a shot  is occasionally used to “color” structures of interest.

Nerve Conduction Study/ EMG: test useful for diagnosis of peripheral nervous system disorders or muscle disorders. Helps detect nerve lesions, pinched nerves, neuropathy, or muscle disease. Nerve conduction involves stimulating a nerve with small electric currents while electromyography (EMG) includes placing a small needle in the muscles and recording their response. Can be done in the office and last about 45-60 minutes.

Selective Nerve Root Block (Nerve Block): outpatient procedure useful for diagnosis of radicular (pinched nerve) pain and treatment of painful pinched nerves. Involves placing a small amount of local anesthetic with small amount of steroid (potent anti-inflammatory agent) near the affected spinal nerve. Done with live X-ray guidance.

Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture): procedure done to aid in diagnosis of brain disorders including multiple sclerosis, bleeding or infections. It involves using a needle placed in the lumbar region and withdrawing a small amount of spinal fluid for analysis. It is a simple procedure done as outpatient under local anesthetics.

Spinal Fusion: surgical procedure used to stabilize the spinal column. Often involves fusing one or two vertebra with metal plates or with your own bone. Frequently performed in the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) region

Tilt Table Testing: non-invasive test designed to evaluate dizziness, fainting episodes or light headedness. It involves monitoring blood pressure and pulse lying then standing for 10-20 minutes. Sometimes medications are used to speed the heart

Botox Injections: purified Botulinum toxin used for various medical conditions. Small doses injected in several affected muscles can be useful to treat Cervical Dystonia, Hemifacial Spasms, Chronic Headaches or Frequent Migraine Headaches. Injections are be given in the office.

Ventriculo-Peritoneal Shunt surgical procedure used to treat hydrocephalus. A communication via a shunt (tube) is surgically established between the lateral ventricle of the brain andthe Vena Cava of peritoneum.