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Diagnostic Laboratories and Services

 

Within the framework of the Neurology Clinic are assessment services and institutes for neuropsychological tests and neurophysiological tests (EEG, EMG, VEP-BERA, TCD), and also service laboratories for diagnosing neurological diseases (the Neuroimmunology and Neurogenetics Laboratory.

 

Neurophysiological Tests

 

General Information

 

 Upon arrival for the test you must bring with you:

1. Appropriate guarantee of payment.

2. Detailed letter from the referring doctor

 

§         The tests are performed in the Neurology Clinic on the 6th floor by a neurologist.

 

§         No special preparation is required for the test(s).     

 

§         Test results are given at its conclusion.

 

§         Your full cooperation is required during the test(s) in order to obtain a precise diagnosis.

 

 

EMG - recording of the electrical activity of the muscle

 

Objective of the Test:

To diagnose muscle diseases and changes in their functioning for various reasons.

 

Limitations in Performing the Test:

The test is not to be performed in patients who are receiving blood-thinning drugs (anti-coagulants like Cintrum, Coumadin, aspirin, Plavix and Cartia sp?).  In these cases the treating doctor must be notified of the administration of the drugs and you must discuss with him stopping the drugs temporarily for a few days before the test is performed.

 

Test Procedure:

During the test you will be lying on your back. The treating doctor will instruct you to contract and relax the muscle (which will be checked at rest and at extended effort). Very fine disposable needles are inserted into the muscle. The number of tested sites (the muscles) is dependent on the reason for the referral. The test involves slight discomfort, which is generally not long-lasting. Slight pain in the test area is possible for a few hours after the test. Duration of the test is about 30 minutes.

 

Clinic Telephone:  02-6778437

Secretarial Office of the Department of Neurology:

02-6776941    Fax:   02-6437782

Working Days: Mon., Tues., Wed.

  Working Hours:  Mon., Tues. 11:30 - 08:30

Wed. 15:30  - 13:30

 

 

NCV - nerve conduction test

 

General Information

 

Y Upon arrival for the test you must bring with you:

1. Appropriate guarantee of payment.

2. Detailed letter from the referring doctor

 

§         The tests are performed in the Neurology Clinic on the 6th floor by a neurologist.

 

§         No special preparation is required for the test(s).     

 

§         Test results are given at its conclusion.

 

§         Your full cooperation is required during the test(s) in order to obtain a precise diagnosis.

 

Test Objective:

To check the condition of the peripheral nerve and the presence of any defects in it.

 

Limitations in Performing the Test:

 If you have a pacemaker you must inform the doctor performing the test. In this case the test will be carried out in a limb far away from the hear.

 

During the test:

During the test you will be lying on your back. The treating doctor will attach electrodes over the muscle and/or the nerve to be tested. The number of stimulations given via the electrodes is dependent on the reason for the referral. The test is accompanied by a feeling of discomfort during the electrical stimulations. In general this is not painful. There is no risk in the test. There are no other side effects  during the test or afterward.

The duration of the test is about 30 minutes.

 

Neurology Clinic - Ein Kerem   

 

Clinic Telephone: 02-6776940

Secretarial Office of the Department of Neurology:

   02-6776941 Fax:   02-6437782

Work Days: Sunday-Thursday

Work Hours: 14.00 - 08.00

 

 

EEG -  test of electrical activity of the brain

 

General Information:

 

Y The test is carried out in the Neurology Clinic on the 6th floor by a technician specializing in performing the test.

 

Upon arrival for the test you must bring with you:

1. Appropriate guarantee of payment.

2. Detailed letter from the referring doctor.

 

What is the objective of the test?

The objective of the test is to estimate the electrical activity of the brain waves.

 

How is the test performed?

During the test you will be lying on your back. The technician will place (with the help of clear gel, which does not stain clothing), 20 electrodes on the surface of the patient's head. During the test you will be instructed by the technician to close your eyes and to breathe deep breaths and to close your eyes against a light that produces flashes of light. Your full cooperation is required during the test in order to obtain a precise diagnosis.

 

Are there limitations to carrying out the test?

In cases where there is no cooperation from the patient for different reasons, the test will be performed with the help of the sedation unit (anesthesia) with the agreement of the patient and/or the agreement of the guardian.

 

Is the test painful?

The test is in no way painful. The test is not invasive and there is no radiation. There are no other side effects.

 

Is there anything I need to do before the test?

Yes. Important! Eat before the test. It is therefore recommended that you eat a satisfying meal before you arrive for the test. Important! Wash your hair the day before or the morning of the test. Do not apply oil, mousse and/or gel to the hair.

 

How long does the test take?

The duration of the test is about 30 minutes.

 

How will I get the answer?

The results of the test will be sent in one to two weeks to the address supplied by the patient.

 

 

VEP – BERA - Recording Responses of Sight and Hearing Nerves

 

General Information:

Y The test is carried out in the Neurology Clinic on the 6th floor by a technician specializing in performing the test.

 

Y Upon arrival for the test you must bring with you:

1. Appropriate guarantee of payment.

2. Detailed letter from the referring doctor

3. Towel and shampoo for washing hair.

4. If you wear reading glasses, you must bring them $.

 

What is the objective of the test?

The objective of the test is to estimate normality of the sight and hearing nerve.

 

How is the test performed?

 

During the test you will be lying in bed. The technician will place (with the help of clear gel, which does not stain clothing), a number of electrodes on the surface of the patient's head. Your full cooperation is required during the test in order to obtain a precise diagnosis.

 

Are there limitations to carrying out the test?

In cases in which there are serious vision defects as a result of eye disease, it is recommended to carry out VEP in an eye clinic.

 

Is the test painful?

The test is in no way painful. The test is not invasive and there is no radiation. There are no other side effects.

 

Is there anything I need to do before the test?

Yes! It is recommended to wash your hair on the day of the test.

 

 

How long does the test take?

The test takes about 30 minutes.

 

How will I receive the answer?

The results of the test are sent within 10 days to the address provided by the patient.

 

 

TCD - complete measurement of blood flow in brain blood vessels.

 

General Information:

The test is performed in the Neurology Clinic on the 6th floor by a neuropsychologist who is a psychologist who has specialized in evaluating memory, concentration and other thinking functions.

 

Y Upon arrival for the test you must bring with you:

1. Appropriate guarantee of payment.

2. Detailed letter from the referring doctor

 

Y In the case that you are not a Hebrew-speaker it is very important that you come with a translator.

 

What is the objective of the test?

The test is designed to evaluate speech functions, memory, attention, concentration and understanding in different situations including following head trauma, stroke, depression, processes connected with age or neurological disease and others. Also, for evaluating learning disabilities and attention and concentration disturbances.

 

How is the test performed?

The test is carried out in total privacy between the patient and the tester. Complete secrecy will be guarded. The test is not painful and does not involve the use of any instrument. During the test you will be asked questions, to solve problems and to activate your memory. The test is mostly oral. A pencil and paper will be used for a small part.

 

Do I need to prepare for the test?

No! There is no need for prior preparation, but you should arrive fresh and rested. If you wear reading glasses, you must bring them.

  

How long does the test take?

The test takes about two hours. In most cases one appointment is enough.

 

How will I receive the results?

The results of the test will be available in about three weeks. Usually, the results are presented in the clinic personally by a nurse only to the patient. There is no need to make an appointment. Results may be sent by mail according to the request of the patient only.  If you wish the results to be sent to a different place you must sign a form for waiving secrecy.

 

The Neuroimmunology Laboratory

 

The neuroimmunology laboratory deals with specific tests for the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases of the nervous system. The laboratory is one of the leaders in this area and has experience from 1978. The laboratory receives samples for tests from all over the country. Every test requires a guarantee of payment.

 

The tests performed are:

 

§         Oligoclonal immunoglobulin in cerebrospinal fluid for the identification of multiple sclerosis and brain inflammation

§         Transferrin beta-2 for the identification of leaking cerebrospinal fluid

§         Alphafetoprotein for the identification of birth defects in the nervous system, hepatoma and pregnancy

§         Myelin basic protein and antibodies to myelin for the identification of the process of myelin destruction

§         Antibodies against MAG and galactocebroside for the identification of peripheral neuropathy

§         Antibodies against gangliodies: GM1, GD1a, GD1b, GQ1b for the identification of diseases of the peripheral nervous system

§         Antibodies to the acetylcholine receptor for the identification of myasthenia gravis

§         Antibodies to pre-neoplastic diseases Hu, Yo, Ri, Ma and to calcium channels for the identification of secondary phenomena of injuries to the nervous system and in a condition of malignant disease.

 

Laboratory Staff:

Prof. Thelma Brenner

Prof. Haim Ovadia

Ms. Camille Siksik

Ms. Fanny Beicher

 

 

The Neurogenetics Laboratory

The Agnes Ginges Center for Human Neurogenetics:

 

A laboratory for the diagnosis of rare genetic diseases which affect the central nervous system and skeletal muscles functions within the framework of the Neuroimmunology Laboratory.

 

The tests performed are:

 

§         Protein 14-3-3 in cerebrospinal fluid for the identification of Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease

§         TAU protein in cerebrospinal fluid for the identification of Alzheimer's disease

§         The faulty prion protein in urine for the identification of Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease

§         Mutation in the TAU protein (P301S) for the identification of dementia with Parkinsonism

§         Mutation in the glycogen branching enzyme (Y329S) for the identification of glycogen storage disease

§         Mutation in the aldehyde dehydrogenas enzyme (C682T) for the identification of Svegren-Larsen disease

§         Mutation in the transseritin protein (Y77S) for the identification of ameloid disease