Saddleback Valley Neuroscience Medical Group
23961 Calle De La Magdalena
Suite 317
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
949-837-1133
Fax: 949-830-1154 |
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Physicians & Staff:
Robert C. Sutter, Jr., M.D.
William G. Preston, M.D.
Caroline Garcia Choan, M.D.
Elizabeth N. Traynor, M.D.
Dean A Le, M.D., Ph.D.
Michael W. Shen, M.D. |
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General Services
- Patient education handouts - offered online or printed
- Hospital consultations
- 24-hour coverage in case of emergency
- Offices located in or near local hospitals
- We bill all major insurance carriers
Additional Services
At present, neurologists are able to cure some of the disease of the nervous system and offer symptomatic relief from others. Your neurologist's recommendations will help you maintain the highest possible quality of life. Advancing research continually provides new treatments which neurologists will be able to offer patients in the future. Your neurologist keeps abreast of these changes to provide you with the best of care. In addition, your neurologist may be able to provide you with the names and addresses of non-profit organizations which are doing research or providing other services to patients with your diagnosis.
Some common neurological tests:
Computerized Tomography or computer assisted tomography (CT or CAT scan) is a form of radiology or X-ray which uses computers to construct two-dimensional pictures of selected body parts. Dye may be injected into a vein to obtain a better picture. Other than needle insertion for the dye, this test is painless.
An electroencephalogram (EEG) records the brain's continuous electrical activity, by means of electrodes attached to the scalp. It is used to help diagnose structural disease of the brain and episodes such as seizures, fainting, blacking out or falling out. It is painless and requires little preparation.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an advanced way of making pictures of the brain. It is harmless and involves no radiation. It is performed by lying still in a small chamber for about 30 minutes. Because MRI utilizes a very strong magnet, if you have any metal other than dental fillings, you need to notify your physician.
An electromyogram (EMG) measures and records electrical activity from the muscles and nerves. This may be helpful in cases of pain, numbness, tingling or weakness. Because small needles are inserted into the muscle and mild electrical shocks are given to stimulate the nerve, slight discomfort is experienced.
Arteriograms (angiograms) provide neurologists with a look at arteries going to and coursing through the brain. Dye is injected into a neck or groin artery to make smaller arteries visible to X-rays. Hospitalization is required.
Cerebral spinal fluid analysis (spinal tap) is often crucial in making the diagnosis of a bleeding disorder, tumor or infection of the brain or spinal cord. Under local anesthesia, fluid is withdrawn from the spinal column.
Evoked potentials record the brain's electrical response to visual, auditory and sensory stimuli. They are useful to evaluate and diagnose symptoms of dizziness, numbness and tingling, as well as some visual disorders.
A myelogram may be helpful in patients who have neck or back pain or suspected spinal tumors. Dye is injected into the spinal canal, making the structure clearly visible to X-rays. This test requires hospitalization.
Neurosonography uses ultra high frequency sound waves, which enable neurologist to analyze blood flow in cases of possible stroke. This is a painless test.
Warning signs indicating you should see a neurologist
- Persistent or sudden onset of a headache
- A headache which changes
- Loss of feeling or tingling
- Weakness or loss of muscle strength
- Sudden loss of sight
- Forgetfulness
- Lack of coordination
- Muscle rigidity
- Muscle spasms or tics
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