Diagnostic methods we use at Affidea neuraCare
Affidea neuraCare Athens is a highly specialised centre of excellence in neurology, delivering pioneering, holistic care and cutting-edge treatments to transform what’s possible in the care of neurological conditions.
With unparalleled expertise, we strive to bring all the possibilities that modern medicine can offer through extensive experience, world-class research and personal care and attention of a team dedicated to making a difference for you, whatever it takes. All in a calm, patient-first setting and led by a world-class neurological team.
We surround our patients with specialists who listen, understand, and care. They include some of Europe's most renowned experts – neurologists,
neuropsychologists, neuroradiographers, microbiologists, nurses, nuclear medicine experts and therapeutic specialists in physiology and occupational health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are neuropsychological tests for dementia?
Neuropsychological tests can consist of questionnaires, activities, and puzzles. They’re designed to assess several mental functions such as memory, language, perception, processing speed, and emotional wellbeing. There are several neuropsychological tests used for dementia, but you won’t need to do all of them. Your neuropsychologist will have a pre-diagnostic counselling session with you beforehand. This helps them choose tests most suited to you and your needs. Examples of some neuropsychological tests include list learning, picture recognition and recall, sorting objects into categories, and more.
Learn more about neuropsychological assessments for dementia and other conditions, including when it’s recommended and what to expect.
Is there a blood test for Parkinson’s?
There is currently no blood test to diagnose Parkinson’s. Instead, your neurologist uses several tests and radiological exams to help rule out other conditions. They may suggest a blood test during diagnosis to check your general health and rule out other conditions.
See our below FAQ for more information, or read our movement disorders page for a detailed overview including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
How do you test for Parkinson’s?
There is no single test for Parkinson’s, and symptoms are often similar to other conditions. Diagnosis is often made after a combination of consultations and scans by a specialist neurologist to rule out other conditions. It may also involve trialling Parkinson’s medication. Diagnosis typically starts with a consultation to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and check for signs of Parkinson’s, such as a tremor, difficulty making facial expressions, and slow movement.
If your neurologist suspects Parkinson’s, they may suggest some of the following to help them make a diagnosis:
- An MRI or PET-CT scan to look at your brain structure
- A SPECT or DaTSCAN to check brain activity in regions linked to Parkinson’s
- Neurodiagnostic tests to check your muscle and heart health
- Pathology tests to test the spinal fluid, called a lumbar puncture or spinal tap
- Prescribing a Parkinson’s medication at a low dosage to see if your condition improves
Learn more about how movement disorders like Parkinson’s are diagnosed , as well as the signs and symptoms to look out for.
How do you test for epilepsy?
Like many neurological conditions, there is no single test to diagnose epilepsy. Your neurologist performs several tests and scans to help them understand the cause of your seizures. They’ll work together with other specialists to help make a diagnosis, such as a neurophysiologist. Not all seizures are caused by epilepsy. Your neurologist may perform some of the following tests to help confirm epilepsy:
- A consultation to discuss your symptoms and medical history
- An EEG and EEG scan to record your heart and brain activity
- An MRI or PET-CT scan to create a detailed image of your brain
- A blood test to check your general wellbeing
Find out more about how epilepsy is diagnosed and discover our innovative approach to epilepsy management.
Is there a test for dementia?
Dementia can’t be diagnosed with a single test. Instead, your neurologist uses a combination of your medical history, tests and scans to make a dementia diagnosis and rule out other possible causes of symptoms, such as medication side effects, urinary tract infections or depression. Your doctor may suggest:
- A consultation n to discuss your medical history and symptoms, including when they started and how they’re affecting you
- A PET-CT or MRI scan to take detailed images of your brain
- A neuropsychological assessment to test your brain function, such as memory, concentration, and speech
- A blood test and a urine test to check your general health
Find out more about how dementia is diagnosed and the latest treatment options available at Affidea neuraCare.
How do you diagnose MS?
MS is a complex condition, and people’s MS can affect them differently. A neurologist diagnoses MS using a combination of different tests and scans. A diagnosis for MS typically involves:
- A consultation to discuss your symptoms and their impact on you
- A physical exam to look at your physical ability, such as your hand-eye coordination, balance, speech, and reflexes
- An MRI scan to create a detailed image of your brain and spinal cord
- A lumbar puncture (also called a spinal tap) to check for antibodies in your spina l fluid, called oligoclonal bands
- A blood test to check your overall wellbeing, look for antibodies linked with multiple sclerosis, and test for other health conditions
Learn more about how MS is diagnosed , including ways we can support you after a diagnosis.
Contact us today to speak to a member of our team for advice and more information about our clinic. We can help you with the next steps, as well as help you book a consultation with one of our experienced doctors.
