WHAT ARE ADVANCED DIAGNOSTICS?
In some cases, advanced diagnostics can help ensure the most accurate diagnosis and appropriate plan of care. Kaizen offers the latest diagnostic technologies for concussion and other cognitive disorders, using methods that provide the most comprehensive results while minimizing testing time. We offer three neuroimaging modalities, as well as specialized diagnostics for concussion.
Neuroimaging
Neuroimaging has transformed our understanding of the progression of various neurological disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and concussion. At Kaizen, we may recommend one of the following imaging methods to help establish a diagnosis, track changes, and create a treatment plan. We offer three imaging modalities.
3T MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
The detail afforded by 3T MRI makes the technology ideal for diagnosing complex brain conditions. This efficient scanner reduces scan time, maximizing your comfort while creating reliable images for diagnostics.
As part of our 3T MRI process, Kaizen incorporates Neuroquant, a leading-edge technology with complex sequencing capability that provides precise volume measurements of crucial areas in brains affected by Alzheimer’s and TBI. The precision possible with Neuroquant replaces traditional methods based solely on a radiologist’s visual assessment of shrinkage and damage on the scan. Neuroquant’s precision results are especially valuable when comparing subsequent MRI results against baseline tests.
Kaizen refers MRI patients to Imaging Healthcare Specialists (IHS). Neuroradiologists ensure proper MRI protocol and review all results.
PET Scan
This functional brain scan detects changes in brain activity. For example, a PET scan may reveal reduced glucose levels in the brain of a patient with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Molecular Imaging / Amyloid PET Scan
This innovative imaging technique reads biological clues to predict the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, even before the patient displays symptoms.
Concussion Diagnostics
After an athlete experiences an injury, a decision must be made about whether the player has a concussion or may continue to play. Traditionally, this decision is based solely on a brief conversation with the athlete. In contrast, Kaizen offers technologies that use measurable data to more accurately diagnose concussion.
EYE-SYNC
EYE-SYNC is a reliable, objective test that detects abnormal eye tracking that may occur after concussion. EYE-SYNC uses virtual reality goggles to record eye movement during a short visual test to diagnose concussion and monitor improvement.
EYE-SYNC is fast, accurate, highly reliable, and FDA approved. The technology was developed at Stanford University and is used at the Stanford Concussion Center, Mass General Hospital. Kaizen is the only center to use this technology in the San Diego/Orange County area.
King-Devick (K-D) Test
A K-D Test checks for impaired eye movement, a hallmark of brain injury. The K-D Test is a concussion diagnostic tool of particular value to athletes. Parents and athletes are encouraged to establish a baseline K-D score at the beginning of the season. If an athlete experiences a head trauma or hard hit, a lower-than-baseline score on a post-injury test indicates the possibility of concussion and the need for professional evaluation.
Assessment is quick and easy. It can be completed in less than two minutes and provides reliable results. The K-D sideline concussion evaluation test was developed in association with the Mayo Clinic.