Neurological Conditions

While neurological conditions can present with a wide range of symptoms, a definitive diagnosis often requires the use of advanced imaging techniques. At Tellica Imaging, we offer various imaging tools that can provide valuable insights into the structure and function of the nervous system, aiding in the diagnosis of neurological conditions.

At Tellica Imaging, advanced imaging tools, such as CT scans and MRIs, provide valuable insights into the structure and function of the nervous system, aiding in the diagnosis of neurological conditions. By visualizing abnormalities within the nervous system, healthcare providers can more accurately diagnose the underlying cause of your symptoms and determine the most appropriate course of treatment.

Understanding the Nervous System

The nervous system is the body's intricate network of communication, acting as the control center for everything you do. It carries messages between the brain, spinal cord, nerves, muscles, and sensory organs, allowing you to move, feel, think, and experience the world around you. 

When the nervous system is affected by disease or injury, a variety of neurological conditions can arise. These maladies can manifest in various ways, impacting movement, sensation, balance, cognitive function, and even behavior.

Early diagnosis allows for the development of a personalized treatment plan to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and potentially slow disease progression.

Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of progressive conditions that gradually damage and destroy nerve cells in the brain. These diseases can significantly impact memory, movement, behavior, and overall well-being.

Even though there is currently no cure for most neurodegenerative diseases, early diagnosis is crucial for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that is characterized by a decline in memory, thinking, and behavior. 

Early symptoms may include forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and problems with language. As the disease progresses, symptoms worsen and can include confusion, personality changes, and difficulty performing daily activities. 

How Our Imaging Can Help With Alzheimer's Disease

Tellica Imaging's high-resolution MRIs can reveal subtle changes in brain structure associated with Alzheimer's, such as shrinkage of the hippocampus, a memory center in the brain. This information empowers healthcare providers to make a more informed diagnosis and develop a personalized care plan.

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative condition that affects movement and coordination. 

Symptoms typically develop gradually, often starting with tremors in one hand.  Other symptoms may include rigidity, slowness of movement, and difficulty with balance and walking. 

How Our Imaging Can Help With Parkinson's Disease

The presence of Lewy bodies, which are abnormal protein clumps in the brain, is a hallmark of the disease. Tellica Imaging's advanced MRIs can sometimes detect Lewy bodies, aiding in the diagnostic process. 

Additionally, MRIs can help rule out other causes of movement disorders that mimic Parkinson's symptoms, ensuring patients receive the most appropriate treatment.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

MS is a chronic inflammatory disease that damages the central nervous system, affecting the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. This autoimmune disease disrupts the central nervous system, where the protective sheath (myelin) surrounding nerve fibers is damaged. 

This nerve damage disrupts communication between the brain and other parts of the body, leading to symptoms like muscle weakness, fatigue, numbness, tingling, vision problems, and difficulty with coordination.

The course of MS can be unpredictable, with periods of relapse and remission. Early diagnosis is crucial for managing symptoms and slowing disease progression.

How Our Imaging Can Help With Multiple Sclerosis

MRI scans are the primary imaging tool used to diagnose MS, as they can reveal characteristic lesions (plaques) on the brain and spinal cord. Tellica Imaging's advanced MRIs excel at detecting areas of demyelination, a characteristic feature of MS. 

This information helps providers diagnose MS, determine the type of MS, and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that is characterized by recurrent seizures. Seizures occur due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain, and can manifest in various ways depending on the location of the electrical disturbance. 

Symptoms may include uncontrolled muscle movements, loss of consciousness, or temporary changes in sensation, emotions, or behavior. Epileptic seizures can range from brief episodes of staring or confusion to uncontrollable muscle movements or loss of consciousness. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective seizure management. 

How Our Imaging Can Help With Epilepsy

Tellica Imaging's high-resolution MRIs can provide detailed anatomical images of the brain, potentially revealing abnormalities that might be causing seizures. This information helps doctors pinpoint the seizure focus (the area of the brain where seizures originate) and determine the most suitable treatment approach.

Cranial Nerve Lesions

Damage to one or more of the twelve cranial nerves can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the affected nerve. 

For example, damage to the optic nerve (cranial nerve II) can lead to vision problems or blindness. Facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) palsy can cause weakness or paralysis on one side of the face. 

How Our Imaging Can Help With Cranial Nerve Lesions

Tellica Imaging's high-resolution MRIs can visualize the cranial nerves in detail, helping providers pinpoint the location of nerve damage and identify the underlying cause. This information is crucial for determining the most appropriate treatment course.

How Imaging Tests Help with Neurological Conditions

At Tellica Imaging, we understand the profound importance of accurate diagnosis in navigating the path toward neurological well-being.

We utilize state-of-the-art CT and MRI scanners specifically designed to capture high-resolution images of the brain and head structures. CT scans and MRIs offer a safe and comfortable diagnostic experience. Unlike invasive procedures, these imaging techniques do not require needles or surgical incisions.

These imaging tests provide unparalleled detail of the brain and head structures, allowing physicians to visualize abnormalities such as tumors, blood clots, inflammation, and even subtle changes in brain tissue.

MRI scans excel at visualizing soft tissue abnormalities, while CT scans are faster and more effective for detecting hemorrhagic strokes. This level of detail is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

We prioritize your comfort throughout the imaging process. Our team of experienced technologists and board-certified radiologists ensure high-quality scans and accurate interpretations. Additionally, we offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs and work with most major insurance plans.

CT Scans for Neurological Evaluation

CT scans create detailed cross-sectional images of the brain and spinal cord from different angles. It captures neurological details to help providers identify:

  • Bleeding or blockage of blood vessels in the brain
  • Trauma to the skull or bleeding within the brain

MRIs for Neurological Evaluation

MRIs offer the possibility to visualize soft tissues within the brain and spinal cord. They create detailed pictures of brain anatomy, such as the information processing center of the brain, nerve fibers that carry signals throughout the brain and spinal cord, and the network that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the brain.

This detailed information from MRIs is particularly helpful in diagnosing neurodegenerative conditions.

  • Reveals changes in brain structure associated with Alzheimer's disease
  • Detects areas of demyelination (scarring of nerve fibers) characteristic of MS
  • Pinpoints abnormalities in the brain that may be causing seizures
  • Assesses blood flow to the brain to help diagnose conditions like strokes
  • Evaluate the health of nerves, which can be beneficial in diagnosing cranial nerve lesions

Schedule Your Imaging Test With Tellica Imaging

When used in conjunction with a comprehensive neurological examination and other diagnostic tests, our imaging tests can be powerful tools for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. At Tellica Imaging, we provide you with the highest-quality imaging experience and the most informative results for your healthcare provider. 

Our staff is dedicated to creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for every patient. Additionally, our upfront and transparent pricing eliminates surprise bills, ensuring you can focus on your health. 

Visit us at any of our convenient locations and our friendly staff will be glad to answer any questions you may have. Alternatively, call us to schedule an imaging test at any of our locations. 

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