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Neurology Testing

At Torrance Urgent Family Care, we provide comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for a wide range of neurologic conditions. Neurologic conditions can affect any area of the body as a result of brain, spinal cord or nerve damage. Our doctors are fully trained and experienced to care for complex conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, stroke and Parkinson's disease.

Our doctors will work one-on-one with you to develop a treatment plan specific to your condition that allows you to enjoy your life to its fullest. Life is far too short to be in pain. To find out more about our neurology services, we encourage you to call us today to schedule an appointment.

Neurological Conditions

Neurological conditions develop as a result of damage to the brain spinal cord or nerves, and can cause pain and other symptoms throughout the body. These complex conditions often cause chronic symptoms and have no cure, so long-term treatment is needed to help patients maintain their quality of life.

Sciatica - The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, stretching from the end of the spinal cord to the end of each leg. This nerve is susceptible to pain as a symptom of several different conditions. Pain radiating throughout the path of the sciatic nerve is known as sciatica and may also include numbness, tingling and muscle weakness.

Numbness - Numbness is a result of abnormal nervous system activity. Numbness is caused when nerve impulses are not traveling properly from the skin to the brain.

Parkinson's Disease - Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive disease that develops when the cells that produce dopamine are dead or severely damaged.

Herniated Disc - A herniated disc, also known as a ruptured or slipped disc, is a common condition that may occur as a result of gradual wear and tear on a spinal disc or from an injury to the spine that cracks or tears a disc and causes it to bulge or break open.

Upper Extremity Radiculopathy – Radiculopathy, also known as a pinched nerve, involves pain, numbness and weakness radiating through the arms as a result of a herniated disc, spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease that places pressure on a nerve in the neck.

Neurological Disorders

Central Nervous System

The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord, which control many voluntary and involuntary actions and responses. The brain is the main source of communication for all other nerves throughout the body. Any disruption in the transmission of nerve signals to or from the brain can result in disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke and others.

Peripheral Nervous System

The peripheral nervous system refers to all of the nerves in the body other than the brain and spinal cord. These nerves receive signals from the brain and allow us to feel pain, heat, cold and other sensations, and also to make movements such as swallowing. Disorders affecting these nerves may develop as a result of genetic disposition, trauma, malnutrition or an array of other causes. Some of the most common peripheral nerve disorders include carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica.

Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system regulates many factors within the central nervous system, such as the size and pressure of the blood vessels and the electrical activity within the heart, as well as the work of the stomach, intestines and salivary glands. These functions allow patients to adapt to any changes in their environment or react to stress. Any abnormalities within this system can result in a drop in blood pressure, which can eventually lead to poor blood flow to the brain and other serious complications.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when an injury or trauma to the head causes brain damage. Symptoms of TBI can range from mild to severe and may include:

Loss of consciousness
Headache
Confusion
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Fatigue
Behavioral changes

Brain damage often cannot be reversed and needs to be treated as soon as possible, which includes stabilizing the patient and making sure he/she is receiving enough oxygen.

Movement Disorders

Movement disorders are neurological conditions that involve abnormalities in the quality and quantity of spontaneous movement. One of the most common types of movement disorders are tics, which involve making the same movements or sounds over and over again, which cannot be controlled by the patients. These tics may include throat clearing, eye squinting and repeating certain phrases.

Diagnostic Testing

Nerve Conduction Study (NCS)

A nerve conduction study (NCS) measures the movement of an electrical signal (impulse) through a nerve after it has been deliberately stimulated in order to detect damage in the peripheral nerve system. During the NCS exam, electrodes are attached to the skin to monitor nerve activity and emit shocks that stimulate the nerve.

Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV)

Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) measures the speed that electrical signals travel through a nerve in order to diagnose nerve damage or evaluate related conditions Electrodes are attached to the body that stimulate an electrical impulse, which are then recorded by additional electrodes. The distance between the electrodes and time it takes the signals to travel between them helps determine the speed of the signals.