Track 26: Diagnosis and Screening of Neurological Disorders

Diagnosis and Screening of Neurological Disorders

Neurological disorders encompass a wide range of conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. The diagnosis and screening of these disorders are critical for early detection, management, and treatment. Accurate diagnosis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history review, and various diagnostic tests. Below is an overview of the approaches used in diagnosing and screening neurological disorders.

Diagnostic Imaging

Imaging techniques provide essential information to diagnose and monitor neurological disorders. Common imaging modalities include:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):

Indications: MRI is used to detect structural changes in the brain and spinal cord, such as tumors, multiple sclerosis, stroke, or atrophy in neurodegenerative diseases.

Advantages: Provides detailed images of soft tissues without using radiation. It is particularly sensitive in detecting changes in the brain and spinal cord.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease:

Early screening involves assessing cognitive function through questionnaires (e.g., Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)) and neuropsychological testing. Imaging (MRI or PET) can help detect characteristic brain changes.

Stroke:

Screening for stroke risk factors includes blood pressure measurements, cholesterol testing, and assessing cardiovascular health. In case of suspected stroke, urgent imaging (CT or MRI) is critical for diagnosis.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS):

MRI is the primary tool for detecting lesions in the central nervous system. Lumbar puncture can also be used to examine for oligoclonal bands in CSF.

Parkinson’s Disease:

Diagnosis is largely clinical, based on symptoms like tremors, bradykinesia, and rigidity. Imaging can help rule out other conditions, and dopamine transporter (DAT) scans can help support the diagnosis.