Sample Type
Blood
Tube Type
Clot Tube
Fasting Required
8 hour
A Full Neurology Test panel involves a combination of blood tests, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, neuroimaging, and electrophysiological studies aimed at diagnosing and monitoring neurological diseases. The tests assess inflammation, infections, autoimmune disorders, metabolic causes, and neurodegeneration affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Common components include:
Complete Blood Count (CBC) – to detect infections or anemia
Electrolyte panel and metabolic profile – to identify metabolic causes of neurological symptoms
Vitamin B12 and Folate levels – deficiencies can cause neuropathy or cognitive decline
Inflammatory markers – ESR, C-reactive protein (CRP)
Autoimmune markers – ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-neuronal antibodies
Thyroid Function Tests – thyroid disorders can mimic neurological symptoms
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis – cell count, protein, glucose, oligoclonal bands
Electroencephalography (EEG) – to detect seizures
Nerve conduction studies (NCS) and Electromyography (EMG) – to evaluate peripheral neuropathies
Test | Normal Range | Abnormal Findings | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
Complete Blood Count (CBC) | Within standard range | Anemia, infection | Infection, systemic disease affecting nerves |
Serum Electrolytes (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+) | Na: 135-145 mEq/L, K: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L, Ca: 8.5-10.5 mg/dL, Mg: 1.7-2.2 mg/dL | Imbalances causing neurological symptoms | Seizures, neuropathy, weakness |
Vitamin B12 | 200-900 pg/mL | Low: neuropathy, cognitive dysfunction | Nutritional deficiency causing neuropathy |
Folate | 2.7-17 ng/mL | Low: neuropathy, anemia | Nutritional deficiency |
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) | 0.4 – 4.0 µIU/mL | Abnormal: hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism | Can cause cognitive and neuromuscular symptoms |
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | < 5 mg/L | Elevated: inflammation or infection | Inflammatory or autoimmune neurological diseases |
ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) | Negative | Positive: autoimmune disorders | Lupus, Sjogren’s, multiple sclerosis (MS) |
CSF Protein | 15-45 mg/dL | Elevated: infection, inflammation | Meningitis, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome |
CSF Cell Count | 0-5 cells/μL | Elevated: infection, inflammation | Meningitis, encephalitis |
Oligoclonal Bands (CSF) | Absent | Present: demyelinating diseases | Multiple sclerosis diagnosis |
EEG | Normal background activity | Abnormal spikes or slowing | Epilepsy, encephalopathy |
Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) | Normal velocity per nerve | Slowed conduction | Peripheral neuropathy, demyelination |
Electromyography (EMG) | Normal muscle electrical activity | Abnormal spontaneous activity | Neuromuscular disorders |