Glossary
Arteriogram (angiogram) -- An X-ray where dye is injected into an artery to study the blood vessels supplying the brain and within the brain.
Bone Densitometry -- Evaluation of bone density is a useful tool in pointing out risk of fracture, particularly for women in certain age groups or with certain medical/family histories.
Botox Treatment -- The specialists of New England Neurological Associates employ Botox injections as a therapeutic tool in the treatment of a variety of neurological and ophthalmological disorders, as well as cosmetic applications. Botox is a naturally derived product that acts to reduce unwanted muscle activity. Clinical applications of Botox therapy include treatment of: blepharospasm (involuntary eyelid closure); hemifacial spasm (involuntary twitches of the eyelids and facial muscles); movement disorders involving tremor; spasticity and rigidity; intractable migraine and chronic headache; and dystonias. Our specialists also perform Botox injections for the cosmetic reduction of expression lines.
Cervical and Lumbar Disc Disorders -- The physicians of New England Neurological are experts in both conservative and surgical management of ruptured discs in the cervical and lumbar spine.
Evoked Potentials -- Disorders of the nerves, spinal cord and brain stem as well as visual and hearing pathways can safely and effectively be studied by this test, which combines electrodiagnostic studies and sophisticated computerized EEG recordings.
Carotid Ultrasound Testing -- This test permits us to diagnose abnormalities of the carotid artery, such as arteriosclerosis, using safe and painless high frequency sound waves without radiation.
Chemical Neurolysis (Nerve Block) -- The injection of a chemical agent into a nerve or muscle to decrease spasticity.
Chronic Pain Management -- Treatment of severe pain of both benign and malignant origin is provided by board certified or board eligible pain specialists. When medical, physiatric and other non-operative modalities do not provide adequate relief, sophisticated devices such as spinal cord stimulators and implanted spinal drug delivery pumps are available.
Electroencephalographic (EEG) 24 Hour Ambulatory Monitoring -- Brain wave electrodes are attached to a portable recorder which is carried for 24 hours to study the brain's electrical activity to aid in the diagnosis of seizures and other neurological conditions.
Electrodiagnostic Testing (EMG & Nerve Conduction Tests) -- Through mild electrical stimuli, this test measures the electrical activity in muscles and the functioning of nerves for the diagnosis of various disorders of the nerves, muscles and spinal cord. As small needles are inserted to transmit and record the electrical activity, this procedure may cause slight discomfort.
Endarterectomy -- An operation for hardening of the arteries in the neck, to try to prevent strokes when non-operative treatment has been unsuccessful.
Independent Medical Evalutations -- A select number of our physicians have added expertise in the performance of Independent Medical Evaluations (IME's). An IME is a medico-legal examination frequently performed to assist in the management of complicated medical cases, especially those involving personal injury and worker's compensation. It is done at the request of a third party - lawyer, insurer, case manager, or employer - to answer specific questions relevant to diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Properly utilized, and IME can help guarantee an appropriate and speedy resolution in these particular cases.
Industrial Rehabilitation Program -- The doctors of New England Neurological Associates, working with the staff of Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital, have developed a service that is geared to the needs of the injured worker. The doctors and staff design treatment plans for the acutely injured worker, injury prevention programs, and a work hardening program.
Kyphoplasty -- Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive treatment performed by NENA neurosurgeons for spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis or cancer. The goal of this procedure is fracture stabilization. This usually reduces the pain caused by the fracture. Kyphoplasty is balloon-assisted vertebroplasty. Two balloons are inserted into the collapsed vertebral body and inflated. This restores some of the vertebral body height. The balloon is deflated and removed and bone cement is injected without pressure into the space that had been occupied by the balloon. The cement hardens and holds the vertebra in place.
Laser Surgery -- The laser, a precise and delicate instrument commonly used by the neurosurgeons, adds precision and delicacy to many microsurgical approaches.
Lumbar Puncture (spinal tap) -- For cerebral spinal fluid analysis, fluid is withdrawn through a needle to aid in diagnosis of many neurological problems.
Myelogram -- Contrast medium is injected into the back to aid in diagnosis of herniated discs of the cervical and lumbar spines as well as many other spinal disorders.
Microsurgery -- The neurosurgeons frequently employ use of special microinstruments and magnification to improve the quality of surgery of the brain, spine and nerves.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)/MR Angiography -- Using a powerful magnetic field, radio-waves, and computer reconstruction, MRI produces high resolution images of the brain, spine, joints, chest and abdomen. Vascular imaging studies can also be provided with MR Angiography. The imaging process is non-invasive, safe and painless without using radiation. New England Neurological Associates affiliate Merrimack Valley MRI operates two state of the art MRI machines on the grounds of Holy Family Hospital: a 1.5 Tesla General Electric Signa CX/LX and an open-design 0.7 Tesla General Electric OpenSpeed.
Movement Disorders Clinic -- A group of dedicated neurologists and neurosurgeons is available to evaluate and treat patients with Parkinson's Disease, severe intention tremor and other movement disorders. After a thorough evaluation, an optimal treatment plan will be developed. If necessary, the patient will be referred to a neurosurgeon for consideration of a stereotactic pallidotomy or thalamotomy. This surgery is performed with the aide of sophisticated three-dimensional imaging done with computers in conjunction with high field MRI and high resolution CT scans. In addition intra-operative semi-micro electrode recordings and deep brain stimulation are used to optimize the performance of the surgery. If needed post-operatively, a physiatrist may be utilized to facilitate the patient's physical recovery from these debilitating diseases.
Neuro-navigation/Frameless Stereotactic Surgery -- Connection of the MRI and CT scanners to a computer in the operating room allows the use of constantly updated, three dimensional information for detailed surgery of the brain or spine. This state of the art system provides both planning and operative information that allows for small incisions and minimal manipulation of the normal brain and spinal cord. This new methodology is the natural outgrowth of standard stereotactic techniques and combines these with microsurgery to provide the benefits of both in a minimally invasive way. Most brain operations and many complex spine operations will be safer and more precise with this high-powered computerized system that is available at only a few select hospitals.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) -- PET is a non-invasive test that examines metabolism and biochemistry of various organs of the body. PET provides whole body images used for the detection, evaluation, and management of cancer, as well as for focused images of the brain and cardiac tissue. New England Neurological Associates affiliate New England PET Imaging System provides PET services on the grounds of Caritas Holy Family Hospital.
Pituitary Surgery -- Tumors of the pituitary gland can be safely treated using microsurgical approaches.
Post-Concussional Program -- Established by the doctors of New England Neurological Associates, this clinic serves patients with intractable post-concussional symptoms such as headaches, neck pain, behavioral changes and emotional or cognitive dysfunction.
Psychopharmacology -- Many common psychiatric disorders, such as depression, schizophrenia, manic depression disorders and anxiety disorders, have an underlying biochemical basis. Patients often benefit from a pharmacological approach combined with appropriate psychotherapy and family support.
Radioactive Implants -- These implants provide precise delivery of radiation for treatment of brain tumors.
Stereotactic Neurosurgery -- With use of highly sophisticated computerized localization and the use of CT and MRI scanning, tumors deep in the brain can be safely biopsied. Patients with conditions such as Parkinson's Disease and intractable pain can also be helped by this procedure.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery -- This service permits us to aim the radiation beam from the linear accelerator with stereotactic precision for the treatment of deep arteriovenous malformations, malignant and some benign tumors, and otherwise inoperable or difficult to reach lesions.
Trigeminal Neuralgia -- Facial pain and neuralgias are treated with medications and/or a variety of surgical techniques.
Transcranial Doppler Studies -- Transcranial Doppler uses the same painless high frequency sound waves as carotid ultrasound to examine the arteries inside the brain to help treat and prevent strokes.
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