Neuro Surgery

Imaging tests:
- CT
- MRI
CT cisternography
Cerebral arteriogram
Neurosonography
Myelogram
Electromyography
Intracranial pressure monitoring

Routine 32 channel digital video EEG
Round-the-clock, long-term 128 channel video EEG monitoring
Functional MRI and WADA study to assess eloquent cortex regions.
3T MRI and an exclusive intraoperative MRI
PET (positron emission tomography)
SPECT (single-photon emission computerized tomography)
ECOG (ElectroCorticography)
Cortical Mapping
SSEP (Somatosensory Evoked Potential)
MEP (Motor Evoked Potential)
Different surgeries available:
Respective Surgery
Lesionectomy
Amygdalohippocampectomy
Corticectomy
Lobectomy (e.g. temporal lobectomy)
Multilobar resection
Disconnective/Palliative Surgery:
Hemispherectomy
Corpus Callosotomy
Multiple Subpial Transections
Conditions treated:
Mesial temporal sclerosis
Focal cortical dysplasia
Lesions like ganglioglioma, DNET
Hemimegalencephaly
Rasmussen’s Encephalitis

Brain perfusion imaging
Ictal SPECT imaging
Technetium TRODAT imaging
I - 131 MIBG therapy for malignant neuroendocrine tumours

Immunohistochemistry
Molecular diagnosis and genetic mutation analysis

Flat panel bi-plane vascular hybrid cathlab
Fourth generation Time of Flight 16 Slide PET CT
True Beam Linear Accelerator for high-precision radiotherapy
Low radiation CLARITY cath lab
256 slice Philips iCT scanner
3 Tesla Wide Bore Digital MRI
GE SPECT-CT OPTIMA NM 640 Gamma Camera EPIQ
Image fusion for guided biopsies
OR 1 Karlstroz fusion integrated, Green OT certified Operation Theatres with autopilot anaesthesia
Stealth Station Navigation
C- Arm for surgical imaging
Dedicated ICCA (IntelliSpace Critical Care and Anaesthesia) Neuro ICUs
Level 3 Paediatric ICU

Aster Hospitals are well equipped to run all kinds of neurological diagnostic tests. Our top-of-the-line medical equipment and highly experienced doctors and surgeons strive to their maximum capacity to properly diagnose and offer treatments that help heal patients, prolong life, and improve the patient's quality of life.

Some of the neurology diagnostic tests with us are:

Physical examination

Different kinds of tests conducted by the neurologist to check for overall coordination between the limbs and their movements, the reflexes, and the cognitive health and function.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scans

This is the first investigative step in forming a neurological diagnosis. A computer-assisted X-ray imaging is done to detect deformities, infections, or lesions anywhere in the brain or the spinal cord.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses magnetic fields to develop 2-D and 3-D nervous system images.

Spinal tap or lumbar puncture

This is an outpatient procedure in which lumbar anesthesia is given to take a sample of the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) around the brain and spinal cord. Many degenerative disorders and neurological diseases like traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer’s etc., show abnormalities in the CSF.

Tensilon test

This medical procedure helps your neurologist to diagnose neuromuscular diseases, such as myasthenia gravis. Your neuro physician will inject you with Tensilon for this test and observe how it influences your muscle movements.

Electromyography (EMG)

Electromyography or EMG is a secondary diagnostic test to help check for the electrical activity between the central nervous system (brain, meninges, and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (nerves in the limbs). Your neurologist will attach small electrodes connected by wires to different parts of your body and over areas of the brain and spinal cord. The difference in the results of the test helps the doctor to determine neuromuscular functions.

NCV

Sometimes, an additional test is done with an EMG, known as a nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test. This test is done to check for the speed at which the nervous tissue sends impulses to the peripheral nerves. For this, similar types of electrodes rae used, which are placed at the same positions as in EMG, and another meter checks for the readings. This test might cause discomfort to sensitive patients; therefore, counseling is advised beforehand.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

An EEG helps to measure electrical activity in the brain. It is also used to help diagnose brain disorders, including tumors, inflammation, injuries, seizures, and psychiatric disorders.

The test doesn't usually cause discomfort and is sometimes carried out while the patient is asleep. Small cups like electrodes are placed all over the scalp, and changes in the brain signals are measured. Your doctor might also adjust the surroundings to measure random brain signals, such as the effect of lighting or noises.

An EEG usually takes about an hour but does not require hospitalization. Like an EMG, you will need to avoid stimulants for 24 hours before the start of the test.

Preparation before an NCV/ EEG

Avoid taking any stimulus, caffeine, or drugs that can alter the nerve  responses. Your physician may advise you to avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications or blood thinners before doing an EMG or NCV test. These tests are usually done together and may take around 1 to 1.5 hours. It is an outpatient procedure, though lengthy & the patient can return home as soon as it is done.

Other tests

● PET scan

Positron emission tomography and PET scan with Tauvid dye

This scan uses radiation to give detailed images of the central nervous system in 2-D and 3-D. A pet scan can detect tumors, infections, and blood vessel defects.

● NIRS

Near-infrared spectroscopy or NIRS is the latest type of brain imaging test that helps measure light absorbance to calculate oxy-hemoglobin and deoxy-hemoglobin levels, which indirectly provides a measure of the oxygenation of the brain.

● Brain angiography

A brain angiography uses a dye introduced into the arteries to mark the outline of all blood vessels around and inside the brain tissue. This helps to look for blockages, obstructions, and aneurysms. 

· Sleep Study (Polysomnography)

Neurological Specialities Available at Aster Hospitals

Aster Hospitals is equipped with the following specialties:

• Neurocritical care
• Neuro-oncology
• Pediatric neurology
• Geriatric neurology
• Neurocritical rehabilitation
• Neuromuscular medicine
• Autonomic disorder
• Stroke care
• Epilepsy center
• Interventional neurology