Ulta Lab Tests

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

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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
  • 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!