Diagnostic Tests
Inova neurologists are specially trained to perform and interpret diagnostic tests related to the ce ntral or peripheral nervous system and the brain, spine, head and neck. Procedures include:
Carotid angiography
An exam to diagnose blockages, narrowing or other defects of the carotid artery, the large blood vessel
in the neck that supplies blood to the brain. If a narrowing or blockage is found, it can usually be
opened up with carotid artery stenting.
Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
Uses MRI technology to visualize blood flow throughout the body and detect, diagnose and treat
heart disorders, stroke and blood vessel diseases. With advanced 3T MRI, even the very small vessels
normally obsurced in other imaging studies are highly visible, aiding the evaluation of vascular disease
and stenosis that can lead to stroke.
Position emission tomography (PET) scan
One of the newest and most advanced diagnostic procedures used to effectively pinpoint diseases of the
heart and brain in their earliest stages.
