Clinical Evaluation

The Neurology Center at Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for your child. A patient will receive a thorough clinical evaluation when they visit the Neurology Center to ensure accurate diagnosis of neurologic conditions and help to prescribe a comprehensive treatment plan.

EEG

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that helps diagnose neurological disorders such as epilepsy and measures and records the electrical activity of the brain. The patient will lie in a bed or reclining chair while an EEG technician applies electrodes on the patient’s scalp. Recording of brain activity will last between 20-40 minutes and the patient is required to sit still while doing certain activities, such as breathing deeply or looking at a flashlight. The EEG test is usually performed in the Imaging Center at Miller Children’s. The EEG report is then sent back to the child’s neurologist for interpretation.

MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive test that helps diagnose epilepsy, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis and neurological disorders. An MRI uses magnetic field and radio wave energy to produce detailed pictures of organs, such as the brain. This technique, usually lasting 10-30 minutes, allows neurologists to better evaluate the patient and certain disorders that may not be possible with a standard x-ray. MRI procedures are typically done in the Imaging Center at Miller Children’s.

Lumbar Puncture

A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is used to help diagnose multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, meningitis and other diseases of the brain and spinal cord. The procedure, lasting 15 minutes, is done while lying down on the patient’s side or leaning forward on a table. This is to help widen the spaces between the bones of the lower spine. The neurologist, along with a sedation team, will introduce anesthesia, insert a needle and collect a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) which will be sent to Pathology to be tested. Parents are encouraged to be next to their child during the test. Lumbar punctures can be done in the Neurology Center or in the Procedure Room at Miller Children.