Diagnostic Procedures
Diagnostic Procedures Terms
Angiogram / Angiography / Arteriogram
All three terms refer to a medical imaging technique used to outline the blood vessels, particularly the arteries, of the body. During the procedure, a dye is injected into the blood vessel and X-ray images are taken of the visible blood vessels.
Computed Tomography (CT)
Commonly called a CT scan or CAT (computed axial tomography) scan. CT scans are a type of x-ray imaging that uses computer-process combinations of many images taken from different angles to create virtual slices of body part without having to cut into the subject.
Discography
A imaging test using an injected contrast dye to help determine if the source of back pain is a damaged intervertebral disc, or which disc is responsible.
Electromyogram (EMG)
A test used to assess the function of a muscle and the nerves that control it. An EMG is performed by inserting a tiny needle that serves as an electrode into the muscle.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Similar to a CT scan, an MRI is a noninvasive tool used to create three-dimensional images of the inside of the human body. MRIs use a magnetic field to produce clearer images than CT scans or x-rays.
Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
An imaging technique using MRI technology to generate images of arteries.
Myelogram
A test using x-rays or CT scans to visualize the spinal bones and the space around the spinal column.
Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) Test
Also called a Nerve Conduction Study (NCS). NCV tests are used to determine nerve damage by measuring the speed of conduction of an electrical impulse through a nerve.
Nerve Root Block (NRB)
An injection of local anesthetic and steroid injected under X-ray guidance into the area where the nerve exits the spinal column.
X-Ray
A common imaging technique using electromagnetic rays to capture images of various structures of the body.
