When you seek medical assistance from the doctor, he will perform different scans, procedures, and tests that doctors use to find the reason for the medical issue. The same happens when you consult the best neurologist in Ludhiana. Like to rule out the reason for brain tumors, the neurosurgeon in Punjab will perform different tests and medical procedures to check what is the root cause of the problem.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DIAGNOSTIC TESTS CONDUCTED BY THE DOCTOR?

In most cases, brain tumors are not diagnosed until you can notice the symptoms. Your neurologist is the first person to diagnose your condition. The doctor will perform a medical history, perform a physical examination, and perform different tests. Let’s understand one by one what are the different tests and procedures used by a neurologist.

• MRI (MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING)

MRI uses magnetic fields and not X-rays to produce detailed images of the body. Through this, the doctor will measure the tumor size. During the test, the doctor will inject a dye on the patient’s vein or it is given in the form of a pill or liquid which needs to be swallowed. MRI can be done for the spinal cord, brain, or both.

DO YOU KNOW?

There are different types of MRI

INTRAVENOUS (IV) GADOLINIUM-ENHANCED MRI	Helps in creating a better picture of the brain tumor.
DIFFUSION-WEIGHTED IMAGING	Helps to see the cellular structure of the brain.
PERFUSION IMAGING	Shows the total amount of blood that reaches the brain.
SPINAL MRI	Spinal MRI to diagnose a tumor near or on the spine.
FUNCTIONAL MRI (FMRI)	Provides information for the specific parts of the brain.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY (MRS)	Provides information on the chemical composition of the brain.

• BIOPSY OF THE TUMOR

It is also known as tissue sampling or surgical removal of a tumor. Through this sample, the final diagnosis is made with much ease. By taking the biopsy for a small amount of tissue for the examination which is checked under the microscope. The cells, tissues, and organs are diagnosed to rule out the reason for the disease. In some cases, a biopsy can be done to remove the entire tumor.

• PET OR PET-CT SCAN

Positron emission tomography helps to understand in detail the tumor, while the patient is still getting the treatment. With this type of test, a better picture is created of the tissues and organs.

• CEREBRAL ARTERIOGRAM

It is referred to as the X-ray or series of X-rays which helps in showing the brain arteries.

• LUMBAR PUNCTURE OR SPINAL TAP

In this procedure, a needle is used to closely inspect the blood, tumor cells, or tumor markers. To do this procedure, the doctor will first give you anesthesia to numb the lower back.

• MOLECULAR TESTING OF THE TUMOR

One of the laboratory tests is done to check the tumor sample to look at the specific proteins, genes, and other factors which are specifically found in the tumor.

• NEUROLOGICAL, VISION, AND HEARING TESTS

Through this test, it helps to check whether the tumor is affecting the normal functioning of the brain. The examination helps to check the optic nerve changes and how the person’s vision is impacted.

• MYELOGRAM

Through this test, it helps to rule out whether the tumor has reached the spinal fluid along with the spinal cord or brain part. For this type of test, the doctor will use the dye to have a better view of the tumor. Although, it is rare to be performed by a doctor.

ADDITIONAL TEST

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER GETTING THE TEST RESULTS?

The doctor is going to have a close look at the test results. In case of a brain tumor, the doctor will perform additional tests to understand your problem better. For further information, or any inquiry feel free to book your initial consultation.