NEUROLOGY:

. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

• Purpose: To assess overall health and detect various disorders, including infections, anemia, and other neurological issues that may arise due to blood abnormalities.
• Key Parameters:
  • Red blood cells (RBC)
  • White blood cells (WBC)
  • Hemoglobin (Hb)
  • Hematocrit (Hct)
  • Platelets

2. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

• Purpose: Measures the rate at which red blood cells settle in a tube, which can indicate inflammation in the body. Neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) or temporal arteritis can show elevated ESR levels.
• Key Parameters:
  • Sedimentation rate (mm/hr)

3. C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

• Purpose: A marker for inflammation that can indicate neurological disorders such as vasculitis or autoimmune-related conditions affecting the nervous system.
• Key Parameters:
  • CRP levels (mg/L)

4. Vitamin B12 and Folate

• Purpose: To assess levels of these vitamins, which are critical for nervous system function. Deficiency can lead to neuropathy, cognitive issues, and other neurological disorders.
• Key Parameters:
  • Vitamin B12 levels (pg/mL)
  • Folate levels (ng/mL)

5. Thyroid Function Tests (TFT)

• Purpose: To evaluate thyroid hormone levels, which can affect brain function and mood. Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism can lead to cognitive changes, depression, or anxiety.
• Key Parameters:
  • Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
  • Free T4 (Thyroxine)
  • Free T3 (Triiodothyronine)

6. Anti-Nuclear Antibodies (ANA)

• Purpose: To detect autoimmune conditions such as lupus, which can lead to neurological symptoms like seizures or cognitive dysfunction.
• Key Parameters:
  • ANA titer and pattern

7. Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)

• Purpose: Elevated LDH can suggest tissue damage, including brain damage, which may occur in cases of stroke or traumatic brain injury.
• Key Parameters:
  • LDH levels (U/L)

8. Creatine Kinase (CK)

• Purpose: To evaluate muscle damage, including damage to the brain or nervous system. It can help diagnose conditions such as muscular dystrophy or myositis, which may have neurological implications.
• Key Parameters:
  • CK levels (U/L)

9. Electrolyte Panel (Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium)

• Purpose: Electrolyte imbalances can cause neurological symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and muscle weakness. Monitoring these levels helps in diagnosing conditions like hyponatremia or hyperkalemia.
• Key Parameters:
  • Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+), Calcium (Ca++), Magnesium (Mg++)

10. Glucose (Fasting and Random)

• Purpose: To evaluate blood sugar levels. Hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia can cause neurological symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, or even coma.
• Key Parameters:
  • Fasting blood glucose (mg/dL)
  • Random blood glucose (mg/dL)

11. Homocysteine

• Purpose: Elevated levels of homocysteine can be associated with a higher risk of stroke, dementia, and other neurological conditions.
• Key Parameters:
  • Homocysteine levels (μmol/L)

12. Antiphospholipid Antibody Test

• Purpose: To check for antibodies associated with an increased risk of stroke and other clotting disorders that can affect the brain.
• Key Parameters:
  • Antiphospholipid antibodies (IgG, IgM)

These tests are commonly used in the neurological field to diagnose and monitor conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.