A - We may stimulate the electrodes with tiny electrical currents in order to map out important areas of function in your brain such as speech and motor areas. This is done by the doctor in your room. You will be asked to read and do certain tasks to help define these areas.

Certain basic blood tests are done prior to surgery; complete blood count, electrolytes, thyroid hormone levels, phosphorus, albumin, liver enzymes, cholesterol, uric acid, magnesium, lipid profile, PT/PTT, HgbA1c as well as referrals to other specialists (Endocrinology, Cardiology, Psychiatry, Pulmonary) as indicated.

A - After 24 to 48 hours you will be able to get out of bed and sit in a chair or take a walk with a nurse.

Before any surgery for pelvic prolapse the following evaluation is very important. This evaluation should be performed by a physician who is experienced in the treatment of pelvic prolapse and knowledgeable about the effects of prolapse on the urinary tract. Pre-treatment evaluation usually includes the following: Special testing of the bladder function called Urodynamics. This testing should be performed with and without reduction (i.e. pushing in) of the pelvic prolapse.

A week or two before surgery, your ophthalmologist will measure the curvature of the cornea and the size and shape of the eye. For patients who will receive an IOL, this information helps your doctor to choose the right type of IOL.

echocardiogram is essential for all patients prior to a Maze procedure. The echocardiogram is an ultrasound study of the heart that helps physicians to evaluate the structure and the function of the heart and the valves. In addition, all patients over the age of 40 will need to have a cardiac catheterization to assess the coronary arteries for evidence of blockage.

Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com offers both test strips and midstream tests that measure the presence of the hormone hCG in your urine. HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the developing placenta shortly after fertilization. The appearance of hCG soon after conception and its subsequent rise in concentration during early gestational growth make it an excellent marker for the early detection of pregnancy. Not all pregnancy tests are created equal.

A - You are a candidate because your seizures have not been controlled with medication, and we have determined where your seizures begin.

A - Complications include a very small risk of paralysis of an arm or leg, or loss of vision on one side. There is a small risk of an infection resulting in a stiff neck and some confusion that will clear with treatment. Side effects from surgery include temporary problems resulting from brain swelling after surgery. The swelling may produce a mild weakness of an arm or leg, difficulty with finding the right words, and loss of a tiny part of your field of vision.

A - Usually you will be asleep, although in certain situations your doctors may ask you to remain awake (but sedated) for a portion of the operation.

A - You will have a headache for several days and may be nauseated. Some patients complain of neck and backaches as well. You may have a black eye and facial swelling. You should feel much better by the third day and feel ready to go home by the fourth to seventh day.

A - This decision is made by the Department of Motor Vehicles, but most patients have their license reinstated within twelve months after the surgery if they are no longer having seizures.

All patients must have had a brain MRI at some time since the onset of dystonia. All patients must have a detailed videotaped neurological evaluation by Dr. William Marks, lasting several hours, to document the severity of dystonia.

If you are older than 45, there will be a chest X-ray, ECG and a lab investigation. If you are younger than 45 there will only be a laboratory investigation. The surgeon will judge whether other tests are necessary.