No one wants to spend hours waiting around for an MRI — especially kids. That's why we're both efficient and flexible in accommodating inpatient, outpatient, and critical care patients. We offer fast turnaround on results, a 24-hour scanner, distraction techniques to settle jittery young patients—such as our Adventure Series of imaging equipment which uses fun-loving characters to guide children on unique, interactive journeys, and the option of anesthesia for MRIs.
Our neuroradiologists are on the cutting edge of developing technology for pediatric neuroimaging. To help provide fast, high-resolution imaging for babies, our physicians developed the first FDA-approved neonatal head coil and are currently developing advanced neuroimaging techniques for pediatric use and pioneering the use of sodium MRI to visualize brain tumors in children.
Types of Neurological Test
At the Brain Care Institute’s pediatric neuroimaging section, we offer a full range of testing options — all using the latest technologies and the lowest possible radiation doses in order to provide the highest possible image clarity.
Neurological tests available on-site at the Brain Care Institute
- Computed Tomography Scan (CT or CAT scan): uses x-rays and computer technology to make detailed, cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG): records the brain's continuous, electrical activity by means of electrodes attached to the scalp.
- Video EEG: videotapes the patient during the EEG to see behavior during a seizure.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
- Electromyogram (EMG): uses electrodes inserted into the muscle or placed on the skin to record electrical activity and muscle response to evaluate muscles and motor neurons.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan): gives a computer picture of the brain's activity rather than its structure by measuring levels of injected glucose labeled with a radioactive tracer.
- Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA) Scan: gives a scan of arteries going to and through the brain.
- Cerebral Spinal Fluid Analysis (Spinal Tap or Lumbar Puncture): makes an evaluation or diagnosis by examining the fluid withdrawn from the spinal column.
- Evoked Potentials: records the brain's electrical response to visual, auditory, and sensory stimuli.
- Myelogram: uses dye injected into the spinal canal to make it clearly visible on x-rays.
- Ultrasound (Sonogram): uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs, allowing internal organs to be viewed while functioning to assess blood flow through various vessels.
- Neurosonogram: uses ultra high-frequency sound waves that enables the physician to analyze blood flow.
Neurological tests available through UPMC Presbyterian
