5 Unknown Benefits of an EEG Test Procedure

Electroencephalogram, or otherwise known as EEG test is a common procedure recommended by physicians for monitoring the electrical signals of the brain. In other words, it’s a simple way to check the communication channel of the brain with the rest of the body, and checking for the presence of tumors or diagnosing seizures, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other related mental conditions. 

Below-mentioned are the benefits of an EEG test procedure.

For the Detection of ADHD 

A common disorder found in children. Many pieces of research confirm that poor behavioral disorder and attention deficits are linked to changes in the brain’s functionality pattern. An EEG test here helps a physician in evaluating the frequency of these changes and finding solutions to normalize them. 

For Significantly improving Impulsivity 

EEG test procedure plays a vital role in improving impulsivity, which comes hand-in-hand with violent behavior. In addition to this, biofeedback and neurofeedback obtained through an EEG test procedure help in treating a number of behavioral disorders. 

For Treating Learning Disabilities 

Over the years, EEG has proven its effectiveness in the treatment of a number of mental disorders wherein an individual’s brain performs limited functions only. Common related disorders include learning inability, frequent migraines, chronic pain, sleep disorder and more. 

For Controlling Physiological Function 

An EEG biofeedback test procedure primarily allows a person to access a better control on his/her biological or physiological functions. This, in other words, means, the therapy aims to improve the brain’s connection with the rest of the body and gain a proper sense of awareness about everything that surrounds it. An EEG test procedure stimulates the brain to process information and clear clogged thoughts.

For Improving Memory 

Another proven advantage of this test is that it effectively helps in improving memory and accelerating learning skills of an individual. It also aids in improving one’s sleeping pattern and enhancing their brain’s overall development. 

Risks Involved

Unlike many brain and heart-related procedures, there are no risks attached to an EEG test. The test is safe and painless. Certain EEG procedures do not include light or any other stimulus. If in case no abnormalities surface during the test, stimuli such as strobe lights or rapid breathing are added to make the abnormalities show up. 

The only downside of an EEG test procedure is that it’s not completely accurate in nature. Its success is widely restricted to certain parts of the brain only. In other parts, it may or may not showcase results as expected.

Know Everything About CNS Lab Test and It’s Types

Central Nervous System, also abbreviated as CNS, is a part of the nervous system of our body consisting of the brain and spinal cord. A CNS disorder can either affect the spinal cord or brain and results in psychiatric or neurological problems especially in children. Some of the primary causes of CNS diseases that majorly affect children include trauma, degeneration, autoimmune disorders, infections, structural defects, tumours and strokes. Evaluating and diagnosing nervous system problems are very complicated in nature. Therefore, if your child is suffering from any of the above-mentioned neurological problems, it is highly advised to get a proper CNS lab test done at the earliest in order to avoid future complications.

Types of Neurological Tests 

The prominent types of neurological tests that are helpful in diagnosing and evaluating the CNS problems in both children and adults include –

Computed Tomography Scan – Also known as CT scan, this imaging technique is a type of CNS lab test that uses X-rays and computer technology to make scanned images of the brain and spinal cord. It can be performed quickly, as children can undergo this scanning process without any sedation. 

Electroencephalogram (EEG) – This CNS lab test procedure primarily records the continuous electrical activity of the brain with the help of electrodes attached to the scalp.

Electro diagnostic Tests - It includes electromyography and nerve conduction velocity. These studies basically help to evaluate and diagnose the muscles, nerves, and other motor neuron problems. It cannot be performed on those children who have metals attached to any parts of the body, such as, certain types of dental appliances or braces. 

Positron Emission Tomography scan (PET) – It is a computer-based imaging test that provides an image of the brain’s activities rather than showing its structure. The procedure is performed by measuring the level of an injected substance by using a tracer molecule known as glucose. 

Cerebral Spinal fluid analysis – It is also known as Spinal Tap or Lumbar Puncture. In this, a sample of Cerebrospinal fluid is withdrawn from the spinal cord for further examination. 

Neurosonography – This type of CNS lab test uses ultra-high frequency sound waves and evaluates the structure of the nervous system. It examines the structure of the brain, spinal cord, and other related structures. 

Ultrasound – Ultrasound, otherwise also known as Ultrasonography or USG, uses high-frequency sound waves and produces the images of nerve tissues, vessels, and organs. Ultrasound is performed to examine the functioning of the internal organs of the body and assess the flow of blood through various vessels present in the nervous system.

All You Need To Know About Creatinine and Creatinine Blood Test

What do you mean by Creatinine?

Creatinine is a type of waste product which is found in the muscles and is eliminated by the kidneys. A creatinine blood test is performed to measure the level of creatinine in the blood for the proper functioning of the kidneys. The creatinine concentrations in the blood help to provide the doctor information about the health of the kidneys. The presence of high level of creatinine in the blood indicates that the kidneys are not functioning properly. 

Why is the test performed?

The blood test is performed to measure the level of creatinine present in the body, a higher amount of which can lead to certain types of kidney diseases. Some of the common symptoms of kidney disease include –

• Excessive fatigue and trouble during sleeping.
• Loss of appetite.
• Swelling of the face, wrist, and ankles.
• Vomiting tendency.
•  Lower back pain near the kidneys.
• Changes in the frequency of urination.

Chronic kidney problems can cause certain types of diseases, including –

• Prostrate disorders.
• Blockage in the urinary tract due to the presence of kidney stones.
• Glomerulonephritis, an inflammatory condition.
• Decrease in the flow of blood to the kidneys.
• Death of the kidney cells.

How to prepare for the test?

Creatinine blood test doesn’t require much preparation. However, it's important to consult with the doctor about the ongoing medications. Some of the common drugs that might interfere with your creatinine test results include - Chemotherapy drugs, Cephalosporin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, and Cimetidine.

How to interpret the test results?

The level of Creatinine is measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/Dl). The normal creatinine level should range between 0.7 to 1.3 mg/dL in men and d0.6 to 11 mg/dL in women. A high-level of creatinine in the blood indicates that the kidneys aren't functioning properly. The reasons for slightly higher level than normal can be due to a blocked urinary tract, dehydration, intake of a high protein diet, reduced flow of blood to the kidneys due to heart failure or shock, etc.

Having extremely low creatinine level than the normal range is a rare case. However, this can occur if you have weak muscles.

It is also important to note that, the Creatinine blood test results may vary from one diagnostic lab to another. The test results can also vary depending on the gender and age of the patient. The test is inexpensive in nature and possesses minimal or no risk or complications.

Types of HIV Tests and Preventive Means

HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a type of virus that develops into the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) if not treated on time. The virus of HIV spreads through certain body fluids and attacks the immune system, especially the CD4 cells, making the person prone to other infections or infection-related cancers. There are quite a few types of HIV test formulated by medical science that help in the detection of the disease. However, no effective cure is currently available. The condition can be controlled with proper care and regular medications. 

Types of HIV Tests

For diagnosing this condition, the following types of HIV testing methods are used. 

• CD4 Count Test – The virus of HIV is known to target and kill the CD4 cells. A healthy adult typically has 500 cells per cubic millimetre. When the virus attacks, the count significant drops. A count less than 200 cells per cubic millimetre means a person may have AIDS.
• Viral Load – This is another factor that helps detect HIV. It measures the quantity of HIV virus present in the bloodstream. When the viral load is low, it means a person is likely to spread HIV to other people around. It is also used for mapping the effectiveness of an on-going HIV treatment.
• Drug Resistance – Certain tests are ordered to understand if a patient’s strain of HIV is resistant to certain medicines which are used for the treatment of the disease. This helps in defining the course of one’s treatment.
• Other Related tests – Of these above-mentioned types of HIV tests in India, there are many other tests which may be ordered to monitor the common complications of the disease or side effects of an on-going treatment. These include liver function test, kidney function test, cardiovascular and metabolic change mapping tests, etc. 

Test Results and Preventive Means

The types of HIV test results typically depend upon the condition of the person and the depth of the prevalence of the disease in the body. The results help a physician in knowing how much damage has the disease done to the body and which medications would best suit to curb the effect. Since, there’s no specific cure available for HIV, the best a person can do to prevent the condition of HIV turning into AIDS is to adhere to a doctor’s prescribed medications and take the necessary measures. For the slightest of error in one’s treatment can jeopardize his/her overall condition.

What is Hemoglobin Blood test – Why it’s done, Procedure and Normal Test Range

Hemoglobin makes for one of the most essential components of the blood that aids in the transportation of food and oxygen to different parts of the body. A deviation in the level of hemoglobin present in the blood causes the onset of many conditions and diseases. In order to keep a check on the levels, it’s essential to get a hemoglobin blood test done at regular intervals. 

A hemoglobin blood test reveals whether the hemoglobin levels are lower than normal or higher in value. In any case, many body parts start to dysfunction and pave way for related conditions to pop up. 

Why is hemoglobin Test done?

The test is usually recommended to check the following conditions:-

• Overall health of the patient
• Diagnose a medical condition related to RBCs, overall blood composition, etc.
• Monitor the condition of a patient undergoing a medical treatment such as chemotherapy, etc.

How is the Test Performed?

Being a kind of blood test, a sample of blood is extracted from one of the veins of the body, usually from the one visible near the elbow or the back of the hand, though a vein puncture process. The blood is carefully stored in sterilized test tube which is then sent to the hematology laboratory for the purpose of examination and analysis. 

Minimally invasive in nature, the risk factors associated with a blood test are negligible. However, in rare cases, a patient may feel itchy, witness slight bruising at the site of puncture, or even see a bump develop there. These side effects, though disappear after a while. In rarest or rare cases, a patient may acquire a disease if the lab technician uses a needle that’s infected or contaminated.

Who offers this test service?

All the leading medical houses and pathology labs in the nation offer a hemoglobin blood test service. Many health checkup packages in Faridabad and other cities of India, offered by diagnostic chains, include a hemoglobin test. Opting for such packages is a good idea as it helps in mapping one’s overall health and see if he/she is prone to the risk of developing a potential disease in the coming future. The hemoglobin blood test cost is quite reasonable. 

How to Understand Test Results?

Hemoglobin blood test normal range for men falls between 13.5 and 17.5 grams per deciliter. Whereas in case of women it is 12.0 to 15.5 grams per deciliter. Normal range in case of children depends upon a number of factors, including age and sex.