Typical Tests Ordered as Part of Your Evaluation & What to Expect
- CT Scan (Computed Axial Tomography)
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- Laboratory Tests
- Neuropsychological Evaluation
CT Scan (Computed Axial Tomography)
A CT Scan takes images of the body in a cross-section or slice which will show the internal organs differently than regular x-rays. A computer puts the x-ray information together to form an image on the screen which can then be printed onto x-ray film. Depending on your history, you may only need a scan without contrast (x-ray dye). Most of the time, however, brain or head scans are done without contrast first and then repeated with contrast. The typical CT scan takes approximately 30 minutes. You will lie down on the scanner table and a strap will be placed around your arms just to hold them near your side. Your head will be placed in a holder and adjusted so it’s straight. You must hold still during the exam.
Prepare for a CT Scan by doing the following:
- Do not eat or drink anything 3 hours before the exam.
- If you are a diabetic taking Glucophage, you should not take this medication 48 hours before or after receiving intravenous contrast (x-ray dye injected into the vein of the arm). Please check with your physician for further instructions.
- If you have multiple myeloma or chronic kidney disease, you may drink water up to 1 hour before the exam.
- If you have asthma, hayfever, or have previously had intravenous contrast (x-ray dye injected into the vein) and had an allergic reaction, please notify your doctor or technologist BEFORE the exam.
- If there is any chance you could be pregnant, please notify your doctor or the technologist BEFORE the exam.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radiowaves to allow physicians to explore the inner workings of the body. The pictures produced are so precise that physicians will often get as much information from MRI as they would from looking inside the body directly at the tissue. MRI uses no x-ray and there are no known harmful effects from MRI. The MRI scanner is a large, donut-shaped magnet with a padded examination table. You will be asked to lie flat on the table, which is designed to slide into the center of the scanner. Although the MRI scanner looks imposing, the procedure is safe, simple, and non-invasive. The technologist is in constant communication with you through an intercom system within the scanner. While the machine is working, you will hear occasional humming and sometimes loud thumping sounds. This is normal and is simply the sound of the machine starting and stopping. You will be offered earplugs to enhance your comfort. Your exam will take 20 to 40 minutes, but can vary. In some cases, the physician may decide to order an image enhancement agent, a fluid which is injected into a vein in your arm. This may make the image clearer; it does not mean that your condition is more serious, or that anything is wrong with you. It simply means that your doctor or the radiologist would like a clearer picture. Please notify your doctor if you have any allergies to x-ray dye, iodine, or shellfish.
Prepare for an MRI by doing the following:
- Follow your normal routine, eat normally, and take any medication you regularly take. Do NOT wear heavy eye makeup; you may be asked to remove it. Hairpins must be removed.
- Arrive for your scan 30 minutes prior to your appointment time to insure proper registration. You will be asked to fill out a brief medical history.
- You will be asked to remove personal possessions such as your watch, wallet, jewelry and car keys. Even credit cards must be secured, as the scanner will erase information on them. You will be instructed at this time what clothing must be removed. (Sweat suits are probably the most appropriate attire).
Laboratory Tests
Standard blood and/or urine tests may be necessary to rule out systemic causes of memory impairment. Your physician will review your laboratory results to identify irregularities that my explain memory problems. He or she will look at things like Vitamin B12, folate, glucose, as well as liver and thyroid functioning tests. Other tests, such as tests for HIV or syphilis may be ordered. Your physician will try to be a thorough as possible in excluding potential causes of memory problems. Blood work is an essential component of the memory clinic evaluation.
Neuropsychological Evaluation
A neuropsychological evaluation will help your physician determine the existence or extent of problems with cognition or thinking. You will be administered a series of tests designed to evaluate your memory, attention, verbal skills, and visual skills. These tests have been given to hundreds of people and therefore allow the neuropsychologist to compare your scores with other people of your age and education. This gives the neuropsychologist a more accurate idea of how your brain is functioning cognitively. Some of these tests may be easy for you, while some may be quite difficult. It's important to try your best on everything. Only then will the physician have a clear picture of how your brain is functioning. A neuropsychological evaluation takes approximately 2 hours. (Download brochure--will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view)
- Prepare for your neuropsychological evaluation
by doing the following:
If you wear eyeglasses and/or hearing aids, please bring them with you to the evaluation. You will be doing work with paper and pencil. - If possible, bring a spouse, caretaker, or someone with whom you interact frequently with you to the evaluation. The neuropsychologist may ask them to fill out some questionnaires while you are being evaluated. These questionnaires ask them about your daily functioning (e.g., how are you doing with remembering to take medications, etc.)
