Clinical Diagnostic Portal
Diagnostics Explained
Advanced neuroimaging and neurophysiological tests provide the objective diagnostic metrics required to localize pathology and safely plan surgical treatments.
Diagnostic Modality Guide
| Modality | Diagnostic Target | Technological Explanation | Clinical Presentation Indicators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) | Soft Tissue Detailing | Uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to generate dense, multi-planar images. Excellent for displaying intervertebral discs, the spinal cord, nerve roots, brain tumours, and cerebrovascular pathology without ionizing radiation. | Persistent radiating nerve pain (radiculopathy), spinal cord injury indicators, cerebral symptoms, and cranial tumours. |
| Computed Tomography (CT) | Bone Structure & Calcification | Utilises rotating X-ray beams to produce detailed cross-sectional bone slices. Outstanding for evaluating cortical bone integrity, spinal fractures, osteophytic spurs, calcification, and surgical implant positioning. | Acute spinal trauma, surgical planning, severe osteoarthritis, and checking bone fusion density post-operatively. |
| Electromyography (EMG) & NCS | Nerve Conduction & Muscle Function | Neurophysiological testing that measures electrical conduction velocities along peripheral nerves (NCS) and recording electrical activity inside muscle fibres at rest and contraction (EMG). | Carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, sorting peripheral neuropathy from spinal radiculopathy. |
| CT Myelogram | Spinal Canal Pressure Mapping | A contrast dye is injected into the spinal fluid space prior to a CT scan. This provides clear radiographic mapping of physical compression on the spinal cord and nerve roots when MRI is contraindicated. | Patients with pacemakers or metallic implants who require detailed spinal canal mapping. |
Seek Diagnostic Consultation
If you have completed spinal or cranial scans and require a specialist clinical interpretation and treatment plan, schedule a consultation with Dr Aliashkevich.