Neurology

Electroencephalography
Electromyography
Transcranial doppler

Neuronavigation systems facilitate image-guided neurosurgery ensuring accurate resection of brain tumours or biopsies of brain lesions and detailed brain surgery. Basic principles of navigated surgery are to see the tip of a pointer in an image space.

The Neuro ICU at the department combines the service of ICU staff with advanced critical care training together with technological expertise. It facilitates round-the-clock close monitoring and personalised care for the patients.

This comprehensive rehabilitation regimen can help the patient to maximise and regain normal muscle movement and function after a stroke or for neurological conditions such as:

Parkinson’s disease
Multiple sclerosis
Spinal cord injury
Head injury
Balance dysfunction
Bell’s palsy

24/7 neuro trauma & critical care
Dedicated Neuro ICUs
Carotid ultrasound and transcranial doppler
Diagnostic cerebral angiography
Thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy for stroke
Angioplasty and stent for stroke management
Inpatient electrophysiological procedures including: Long-term video EEG Invasive intracranial monitoring Sleep lab Nerve conduction and evoked potential studies (somatosensory, motor, visual & auditory) Intraoperative electrophysiology

Neuropsychology is the systematic evaluation of higher cognitive abilities including intelligence, memory, academic skills, cognitive and language, attention span, sensory motor, problem solving abilities, executive abilities, visual motor skills and personality/emotional functioning. The Neuropsychology Clinic at the Aster Centre of Excellence in Neurosciences offers:

Cognitive evaluation/ rehabilitation/ remediation in patients with neurological conditions like epilepsy, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and tumours
Study of functional aspect of brain through pre & post-operative evaluation
Study of decline of cognitive skills in the elderly
Evaluation of changes in thinking/ behavior pattern with people with serious illnesses
Evaluation/ management of behavioural problems
Counselling/ management of depression and anxiety
Counselling and management of depression and anxiety
Family counselling

Physical therapy
Occupational therapy and rehabilitation for patients with neurological/ physical disabilities
Speech therapy for patients with language disabilities

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

Aster Whitefield Hospital's Stroke Comprehensive Program is dedicated to providing exceptional care and comprehensive solutions for individuals affected by strokes. Our program embodies a multidisciplinary approach, combining expertise, innovation, and compassion to address the complexities of stroke care