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Exams and Tests

Your health care provider would do initial testing similar to checking for dementia - looking for progressive deterioration of your ability to think and control movement.

• Certain lab tests may be performed to rule out other forms and causes of brain dysfunction. You may have a complete blood count and liver function tests checked with a sample of your blood. The doctor may also check your blood for evidence of a bacterial or other infection.
  
  
• More detailed lab tests might include blood testing of your thyroid, B-12 and folate levels, and for certain types of sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis and HIV, which may produce similar symptoms.
  
  
• Imaging such as an MRI or PET scan may be helpful.
  
  
• The doctor may perform an EEG to look at your brain waves. Sporadic CJD typically is associated with some abnormalities on this test, but the BSE-form of CJD may not produce abnormal patterns on an EEG.
  
  
• The doctor may also perform a spinal tap, but this is not a definitive test either for CJD. However, measurement of 14-3-3 protein, tau protein, and S-100B in the spinal fluid can be helpful for the diagnosis of CJD. The spinal tap can also be helpful in ruling out other types of brain infections.
  
  
• A brain biopsy (sample of brain tissue) may be taken.
  
  
• The doctor may ask you about your eating patterns if BSE transmission is suspected. Do you routinely eat red meat? Have you traveled to countries where BSE is known to exist in the cattle? Have you eaten meat in those countries?  Did you receive a blood transfusion or have surgery overseas?