Neurological Diseases

This hub is for people with new numbness, tingling, weakness, headache or seizures, memory/cognitive changes, vision or balance problems, neuromuscular symptoms, or those needing medication monitoring, and for clinicians organizing workups. Blood tests support neurological care and often help rule out reversible causes or identify immune/infectious contributors, but many conditions still require neurological exam, imaging (CT/MRI), and sometimes CSF analysis.

Core lab domains: reversible causes (B12/MMA, TSH, glucose/A1c, CMP, CBC), autoimmune neurology (AChR/MuSK, AQP4-IgG, MOG-IgG, neuronal/paraneoplastic Abs), infectious (HIV 4th-gen, syphilis algorithms, Lyme two-tier), toxic/metabolic (heavy metals, copper/ceruloplasmin, vitamins B1/B6/E), inflammation (ESR/CRP), myopathy (CK/aldolase), and antiepileptic drug (AED) levels for therapeutic drug monitoring. Results guide triage, rule-in/out of mimics, decisions to escalate to imaging/CSF, and trend monitoring—always with clinician guidance.

What It Tests

Neurological blood testing helps you and your clinician:

Screen / Early detection: identify reversible systemic contributors to neurologic symptoms (e.g., B12, thyroid, diabetes, electrolyte/kidney/liver derangements).
Diagnose / Triage: support evaluation of immune-mediated, infectious, toxic/metabolic, and paraneoplasticetiologies; decide when to escalate to imaging, CSF, EMG/NCS, or specialist referral.
Monitor: trend inflammatory markers, track myopathy activity, and perform therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for AEDs.

Principles: use patterns context trends; one abnormal value rarely equals a diagnosis. Pair results with exam findings, history, and (when indicated) MRI/CSF.

Key Test

Test	Also Called (Synonyms)	What It Measures	Typical Prep (fasting?)	Specimen	Turnaround	Related Panels	Use Type (Screen / Diagnosis / Monitoring / Risk)	Timing Notes / Caveats
Vitamin B12 ± Methylmalonic Acid	B12; MMA	B12 deficiency (neuropathy, cognitive)	No fast	Blood (± serum/urine MMA)	~1–3 d	Reversible Causes	Screen/Dx	If B12 borderline, add MMA ± homocysteine
TSH (± Free T4)	—	Thyroid-related neuropathy/cognitive/mood	No fast	Blood	~1–2 d	Reversible Causes	Screen/Dx	Consider meds/biotin interference
A1c / Fasting Glucose	—	Diabetes/neuropathy risk	A1c: no fast; glucose: fast per lab	Blood	~1–2 d	Reversible Causes	Screen/Dx/Mon	Pair with neuropathy evaluation
CMP & CBC	Electrolytes, liver/kidney; blood counts	Metabolic contributors, anemia, infection	No fast	Blood	Same–1 d	Reversible Causes	Screen/Dx	Na/Ca/Mg/glucose shifts may provoke symptoms
Vitamins B1/B6/E	Thiamine; Pyridoxine; α-tocopherol	Deficiency/toxicity neuropathies	Per lab	Blood	~2–7 d	Neuropathy Advanced	Dx/Mon	Avoid supplements pre-draw when possible
Copper & Ceruloplasmin	—	Copper deficiency; Wilson disease context	No fast	Blood (± 24-h urine)	~2–7 d	Metabolic	Dx	Phenotype-dependent interpretation
SPEP/IFE Serum Free Light Chains	sFLC	Monoclonal gammopathy–associated neuropathy	No fast	Blood	~2–5 d	Neuropathy Advanced	Dx	Pair with clinical phenotype ± EMG
Cryoglobulins	—	Vasculitic/neuropathy context	Special handling	Blood	~3–7 d	Vasculitis	Dx	Strict pre-analytic handling needed
Anti-MAG IgM; Ganglioside Abs (GM1, GD1a)	—	CIDP/GBS variants	No fast	Blood	~5–14 d	Immune Neuropathy	Dx	Specialist-directed ordering
AChR Ab (binding/blocking/modulating)	—	Myasthenia gravis	No fast	Blood	~3–7 d	MG Panel	Dx	Add MuSK (± LRP4) if AChR negative
MuSK Ab (± LRP4)	—	Seronegative MG context	No fast	Blood	~3–7 d	MG Panel	Dx	Interpret with phenotype & bedside tests
AQP4-IgG (NMO-IgG)	—	NMOSD, distinct from MS	No fast	Blood	~3–7 d	Demyelination Panel	Dx/Mon	Pair with MRI/CSF; clinical correlation critical
MOG-IgG	—	MOGAD demyelination	No fast	Blood	~3–7 d	Demyelination Panel	Dx/Mon	Distinct from AQP4 and MS
Neuronal surface/encephalitis Abs	LGI1, CASPR2, NMDAR, GABA-B	Autoimmune encephalitis	No fast	Blood (± CSF)	~7–14 d	Encephalitis Panel	Dx	Panels preferred; interpret with MRI/CSF
Paraneoplastic Abs	ANNA-1/Hu, ANNA-2/Ri, PCA-1/Yo, CRMP5/CV2, Ma2/Ta, Amphiphysin, SOX1	Paraneoplastic neuro syndromes	No fast	Blood (± CSF)	~7–14 d	Paraneoplastic Panel	Dx	High specificity but context-dependent
GAD65 Ab	—	Autoimmune epilepsy/stiff-person	No fast	Blood	~3–7 d	Autoimmune Neuro	Dx/Mon	Titer & phenotype guide interpretation
ESR / CRP	—	Inflammation; GCA triage in ≥50 with new headache/visual Sx	No fast	Blood	Same–1 d	Inflammation	Dx/Mon	Urgent eval if GCA suspected
HIV-1/2 Ag/Ab (4th-gen)	—	HIV infection	No fast	Blood	~1–3 d	Infectious	Screen/Dx	Observe window periods; confirm positives
Syphilis testing	RPR/VDRL treponemal confirm (or reverse)	Syphilis	No fast	Blood	~1–3 d	Infectious	Screen/Dx	Follow algorithm; reflex confirm
Lyme disease testing	EIA/ELISA immunoblot or modified 2-EIA	Lyme neuro context	No fast	Blood	~3–7 d	Infectious	Dx	Timing matters; CSF if neuroborreliosis suspected
HTLV-1/2; HCV Ab	—	Myelopathy/neuropathy/vasculitis context	No fast	Blood	~3–7 d	Infectious	Screen/Dx	Order based on risk/phenotype
Creatine Kinase (CK) ± Aldolase	—	Myopathy/rhabdomyolysis	No fast; avoid hard exercise24–48 h	Blood	Same–1 d	Myopathy	Dx/Mon	Re-check after rest; meds can elevate
Myositis Antibody Panel	Jo-1, PL-7, PL-12, Mi-2, SRP, TIF1-γ, HMGCR	Inflammatory myopathy	No fast	Blood	~7–14 d	Myositis	Dx	Specialist-guided
AED levels (TDM)	Valproate, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin (± free), Phenobarbital, Levetiracetam, Lamotrigine, Topiramate, Lacosamide	Therapeutic drug monitoring	Pre-dose trough; record dose/time	Blood	Same–1 d	Seizure TDM	Mon	Interactions & albumin affect levels; not for dx

When to Test

New distal numbness/tingling or burning feet: A1c/glucose, B12 ± MMA, TSH, CMP/CBC; consider SPEP/IFE sFLC, B6/B1, vitamin E, ± heavy metals, HIV, HCV, Lyme (risk-based).
Fluctuating ptosis/diplopia or fatigable weakness: AChR/MuSK (± LRP4). Urgent care if respiratory or bulbar symptoms.
Optic neuritis/longitudinal myelitis or atypical demyelination: AQP4-IgG and MOG-IgG; coordinate with MRI ± CSF.
Seizure disorder on medication: TDM trough levels for AEDs; electrolytes/glucose as indicated.
New headache in age ≥50 with jaw claudication/visual symptoms: ESR/CRP and same-day clinical evaluationfor GCA.
Cognitive changes/memory concerns: B12 ± MMA, TSH, CBC/CMP, ± RPR/HIV, vitamin D. (Emerging plasma Aβ/p-tau tests—specialist context if offered.)
Suspected paraneoplastic neuro syndrome: Neuronal/paraneoplastic Ab panel with oncologic evaluation(specialist-directed).

How to Prepare

Fasting: Usually not required; glucose/lipids may require fasting—follow your requisition.
Biotin: Avoid high-dose biotin for 24–48 hours (per lab) before immunoassays.
Exercise: Avoid vigorous exercise for 24–48 hours before CK.
TDM timing: Draw pre-dose trough; record last dose/time and co-meds (e.g., valproate ↔ lamotrigine; albumin affects phenytoin/valproate).
Infectious serology: Respect window periods; early negatives may require retesting.
Heavy metals: Follow collection instructions precisely to prevent contamination.

Interpreting Results

Autoantibody panels: Low-titer or isolated positives may be non-specific; interpret with phenotype, MRI, CSF, and sometimes repeat testing.
HIV/syphilis/Lyme: Follow standard confirmation algorithms (4th-gen HIV with supplemental tests; non-treponemal ↔ treponemal for syphilis; two-tier or modified two-EIA for Lyme).
B12 deficiency: Normal B12 with neuropathy → check MMA ± homocysteine.
CK elevations: Re-test after rest; review meds (e.g., statins) and symptoms.
TDM: Interpret with trough timing, drug interactions, and clinical response. Do not self-adjust doses.
Negative tests don’t exclude disease; some conditions are primarily clinical/imaging diagnoses.

Related Conditions

Peripheral Neuropathy
Headache & Migraine
Seizure/Epilepsy
Demyelinating Disorders (MS mimics, NMOSD, MOGAD)
Myasthenia Gravis
Paraneoplastic Neurologic Syndromes
Cognitive Disorders & Memory

Bundles & Panels

Neurotransmitters and Neurologic Health Panel – Includes 9 tests covering ~63 biomarkers that measure neurotransmitters (e.g. dopamine, serotonin, GABA), catecholamine metabolites, and pathways critical for neuronal signaling and mood/focus regulation
Brain Fit Comprehensive Panel – 51 tests measuring ~146 biomarkers: covers metabolic, micronutrient, oxidative stress, inflammatory, detoxification, neuro-support markers, and additional neurotransmitter metabolites
Full Monty Panel – Contains 10 tests assessing ~14 key biomarkers, including copper levels (deficiency or toxicity), metabolic and micronutrient markers that can impact neurological function
Myasthenia Gravis Panel 2 – One focused test comprising 3 autoantibody biomarkers (e.g. AChR binding, modulating, MuSK) used to confirm neuromuscular transmission deficiency in suspected Myasthenia Gravis patients
Cognitive Health Lab Panel – Likely combines nutrient, hormone, metabolic, and oxidative/inflammatory biomarkers that correlate with cognitive function and brain-aging risk

FAQs

Can a blood test diagnose MS?
No. MS is a clinical MRI diagnosis (± CSF). Blood tests help rule out mimics or identify NMOSD/MOGAD.

Which labs help with memory problems?
Start with B12 ± MMA, TSH, CBC/CMP, ± RPR/HIV, vitamin D. Some plasma amyloid/tau tests are emerging but require specialist context.

Do I need to fast?
Usually no. Glucose/lipids may require fasting—check your requisition.

What’s the difference between AQP4-IgG and MOG-IgG?
They mark different diseases—NMOSD vs MOGAD—and are not MS.

Are antibody results definitive?
No. False positives occur; interpret with symptoms, MRI, CSF, and sometimes repeat.

How should I time my seizure-med level?
Draw a pre-dose trough, and record last dose/time plus co-meds.

Do I need a Lyme test for headache/brain fog?
Only with exposure risk and compatible features; follow two-tier testing algorithms.

When is ESR/CRP useful for headache?
Age ≥50 with new headache or visual/jaw symptoms → urgent evaluation for giant cell arteritis.

References

American Academy of Neurology (AAN) practice parameters (neuropathy, MG, epilepsy monitoring).
American Headache Society (AHS) red-flags & secondary headache guidance.
International Panel for NMOSD diagnostic criteria; consensus statements for MOGAD.
Graus et?al., 2016 — Autoimmune encephalitis consensus criteria.
CDC/IDSA algorithms for HIV, syphilis, Lyme disease.
NINDS/NIH patient & clinician resources.
Mayo Clinic Laboratories / ARUP Consult — test utilization & method notes.

Last reviewed: September 2025 by Ulta Lab Tests Medcical Review Team

If you want to know more about neurological disorders and the blood tests used screen, click here to read more.

To purchase lab tests used to screen, detect, and monitor problems caused by neurological illnesses, please click the link below.

Depression

Neurological Disorders

Neuropathy

Learn more about neurological problems and the lab tests available to detect and monitor changes in your health by clicking the links below.

Diagnosing Mental Illness: What You Need to Know About Lab Tests for Depression

Neurological Disorders and Lab Testing

Neuropathy and Lab Testing - What You Need to Know

Hide

Browse Neurological Diseases Subcategories

Blood Tests for Neurological Disorders

Depression

Neuropathy

All About Neurological Disorders and Lab Tests

There are more than 600 neurological disorders in the world. These disorders affect millions of people every day.

Neurological disorders that are left untreated can progress to have serious consequences. These disorders are only becoming more common as time passes, which means it is more important than ever to keep an eye out for symptoms.

Read on to learn more about neurological disorders and how they are screened and diagnosed.

What are Neurological Disorders?

Neurological disorders are diseases that affect the central and peripheral nervous systems. This includes the brain, spinal cord, muscles, nerve roots, cranial and peripheral nerves, autonomic nervous system, and neuromuscular junction.

Some common types of neurological disorders are:

Sclerosis
Alzheimer's disease and other dementias
Bell's palsy and cerebral palsy
Epilepsy and seizures
Guillain-Barré syndrome

There are more than 600 neurological disorders in the world. These disorders affect millions of people every day.

Read on to learn more about neurological disorders and how they are screened and diagnosed.

What are Neurological Disorders?

Some common types of neurological disorders are:

Sclerosis
Alzheimer's disease and other dementias
Bell's palsy and cerebral palsy
Epilepsy and seizures
Guillain-Barré syndrome
Muscular dystrophy
Neuralgia and neuropathy
Parkinson's disease
Primary progressive aphasia
Spinal deformities and disorders, including scoliosis and spinal tumors
Vertigo and stroke
Migraines and other headache disorders
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Mild cognitive impairment

Risk Factors of Neurological Disorders

Risk factors for neurological disorders include recent significant stress and emotional or physical trauma.

Age is a risk factor for some of these disorders. There is also a possibility that women are more likely to develop these disorders than men.

If a person's family has a history of neurological disorders, that person is more at risk for developing a disorder. Having a mental health condition can also increase a person's risk for neurological disorders.

Causes of Neurological Disorders

Depending on the type of disorder, the cause may vary.

Some causes of neurological disorders include:

Genetic and congenital disorders
Health problems related to lifestyle or environment, including malnutrition
Injuries to the brain, spinal cord, or nerves
Infections
Tumors

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Neurological Disorders?

There are a wide variety of neurological disorders. However, many of their symptoms tend to overlap.

Some common symptoms of neurological disorders include:

Paralysis
Seizures
Muscle weakness
Poor coordination
Loss of sensation
Confusion
Pain
Altered levels of consciousness

How are Neurological Disorders Diagnosed?

Diagnosing neurological disorders is a complicated and difficult process.

As many of these disorders share similar symptoms, doctors must identify different combinations of symptoms to create a differential diagnosis.

Doctors will look at a patient's full medical history and perform a physical examination to start the diagnosis process. Afterward, they may conduct a neurological exam.

Neurological exams test a patient's motor and sensory skills. This includes hearing, speech, coordination, balance, and vision. A patient's mental state, mood, and behavior may also be examined.

Lab Tests to Screen, Diagnose, and Monitor Neurological Disorders

Once the differential diagnosis is created, the doctor can then do further diagnostic tests and procedures.

Lab testing can help doctors identify neurological conditions, including:

Hereditary disorders
Meningitis
Encephalitis
Acute and chronic inflammation
Viral infections
Multiple sclerosis
Certain neurodegenerative disorders

Laboratory Screening Tests

Laboratory screening tests are when a patient's bodily fluids are tested. The most common lab tests use urine and blood.

Urine tests can identify signs of infection, toxins, diseases, and abnormal metabolic substances. Blood tests can help detect:

Abnormal levels of hormones and blood cells
Vitamin deficiencies
Genes associated with inherited conditions
Infection and toxins
Metabolic, muscle, and clotting disorders
Autoimmune diseases

Metabolic Panel Tests

Metabolic panel tests are often used to detect liver and kidney issues but can also check for problems in a patient's nutrient levels and in all areas of the body involving the metabolism.

Metabolic panel tests can assist doctors in detecting:

Liver or kidney problems through BUN, ALT, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, and creatinine levels
Heart or liver issues through AST levels
Issues in how the liver, kidney, and bile ducts function through bilirubin levels
Kidney problems, overactive thyroid or parathyroid glands, certain cancers, pancreatic problems, or vitamin D deficiency through calcium levels
High levels of acidity in the body, dehydration, multiple myeloma, kidney disorders, and adrenal gland dysfunction through chloride levels
Problems with the kidney and parathyroid gland through phosphorus levels
Increased risk of high blood pressure and stroke through potassium levels
Dehydration, adrenal gland disorders, liver problems, and kidney problems through sodium levels
Neuropathy through blood sugar levels

Lipid and Complete Blood Count Tests

Lipid panel tests measure the amount of fat is in a patient's blood. This includes checking a patient's total cholesterol and triglyceride levels for signs of heart disease and other health issues.

Complete blood count tests help doctors evaluate a patient's overall health and detect diseases, infections, and abnormalities of the blood. These tests help identify:

Signs of infection, leukemia, and other health disorders through a WBC leukocyte count
Infection, autoimmune disorders, amenia, inflammation, and other health issues through a WBC differential count
Conditions affecting red blood cells through an RBC erythrocyte count
Signs of amenia through Hct and Hgb levels
Anemia and chronic fatigue syndrome through an MCV
Signs of anemia or nutritional deficiency through MCH and MCHC levels
Liver disease, anemia, and nutritional deficiencies, among other health conditions through an RCDW
Risk of stroke, heart attack, or of developing a bleeding disorder through a platelet count and MPV

Genetic Tests and Brain Scans

Genetic tests are used when a patient's family has a history of neurological disorders. These tests identify if a patient has one of the genes that can cause one of these disorders.

Brain scans use imaging techniques to screen for injuries and other problems in the brain. This includes tumors, malformed blood vessels, stroke, abnormal development, and bleeding. Some examples of brain scans are MRI, PET, and CT scans.

Other types of tests used for neurological disorder screening and diagnosis are:

EEG, which monitors the electrical activity of the brain
Electrodiagnostic tests, which screen for disorders present in the muscles and motor neurons
Angiogram, which uses an X-ray to detect blockages or the narrowing of passages in the arteries and veins
Neurosonography, which is used to analyze blood flow and help diagnose stroke
Ultrasounds, which create images of blood vessels, tissues, and internal organs

Frequently Asked Questions about Neurological Disorders and Lab Testing

Some frequently asked questions about neurological disorders and lab testing are:

How long will it take to get the results of the tests?
What treatment options are available?
What is the treatment's likelihood of success?
How long will treatments last? How frequent are treatments?
Are there any side effects or risks to receiving the treatment?
Will the treatments limit daily activities and lifestyle?
Is it necessary to spend time in the hospital?

The answer to these questions depends on the type of disorder.

Some of these disorders have mild symptoms and require little to no hospital time. Others have far more severe symptoms that will have a high impact on a person's lifestyle. These more severe disorders may require frequent trips to the hospital for treatment.

Neurological Disorders Lab Testing with Ulta Lab Tests

Are you struggling with a potential neurological disorder?

Ulta Lab Tests offers highly accurate and reliable tests so that you can make informed decisions about your health. Here are a few great things to love about Ulta Lab Tests:

You'll get secure and confidential results
You don't need health insurance
You don't need a physician's referral
You'll get affordable pricing
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee

Order your lab tests for neurological disorders today, and your results will be provided to you securely and confidentially online in 24 to 48 hours for most tests.

Take control with Ulta Lab Tests today!

Hide