Orange County Neurology: Mission Viejjo, California. Services.

Services

Neurological Consultation and Evaluation

The basic foundation of diagnosing and treating all medical conditions is a comprehensive history and examination. Thorough history taking and a full neurological exam is especially important in understanding neurological disorders. In addition, communicating our thoughts and discussing the reasoning behind the work-up and recommendations as best and as simply as possible to the patient is paramount at OCN. Our goal is to dispel any myths and use the latest scientifically-proven facts to accurately diagnose, treat, and therefore reduce anxiety to the suffering patients who come for help at our office. Moreover, alternative and non-pharmacologic (I.e. no medicine) therapies and approaches are heavily considered to help reduce use of potentially harmful tests, procedures, and medicines.

Nerve conduction study

Many peripheral disorders of nerves can be detected by passing small amount of electric current through individual nerves and recording the signal generated. This test is generally painless and extremely useful in the diagnosis of nerve disease.

Electromyography

This test can greatly enhance nerve conduction studies by studying individual muscle groups. The test involves insertion of thin, acupuncture-like needles superficially into selected muscles to visualize muscle patterns that reflect the state of the nerve and/or muscle and lead to accurate diagnosis. Many disorders of neck and low back pain can be evaluated with this technique. This test is slightly uncomfortable but usually tolerable.

Electroencephalography

Using surface scalp electrodes, the electric brain waves are recorded. This test is essential in detecting abnormal brain electric activity such as seizures. This test in painless and non-invasive.

Botox Therapy

Botox is a very effective method for treating various neurological disorders including, muscle spasticity from stroke, brain injury, MS, intractable headaches, tremors, excessive sweating, etc.

Our office offers Botox therapy as soon as within 1-week of initial office evaluation for eligible patients (for patients who wish to avoid insurance authorization requirements which often takes weeks to obtain.

Trigger point injections:

This therapy involves pinpoint injections of nerve blocks or corticosteroids into areas of inflammation or nerve impingement that cause shooting pain such as seen in occipital neuralgia.

MRI/MRA Interpretation

MRI images of the brain and spinal cord are essential in the diagnosis of neurological disease.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on examining the relationship between one's thoughts, feelings and behaviors. This approach focuses on changing one's belief system (cognitive processes) and related behavior, attitudes and way of coping with emotional difficulties. CBT is an evidence-based, short-term, and solution-focused treatment approach with the goal of reducing symptoms while increasing adaptive coping and assertiveness. CBT has been found effective in treating a myriad of conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, relationship problems, sleeping difficulties and adjustment to health related conditions among others.

Neuropsychological Testing

Neuropsychological testing is a comprehensive assessment of how one's brain functions, which can provide valuable information as adjunct to medical examinations. Neuropsychological evaluations provide insight into the psychological and central nervous system (CNS) functioning, such information can lead to localization of organic abnormalities, clarification and/or confirmation of a diagnosis, and insight into strengths and weaknesses of cognitive ability. Findings from these assessments also help in understanding disease process over time and guide effective treatment recommendations for rehabilitation when there is impairment.