Brain Mapping
The 4-Digit Diagnostic Code
The 4-Digit Diagnostic Code was developed by FAS pioneers Drs. Susan Astley and Sterling Clarren. This diagnostic tool provides for an objective assessment of the four diagnostic landmarks of FAS resulting in a definitive rating from 111 (normal growth) to 444 (classic FAS.) Full instructions on the use of the tool and ordering instructions can be found by going to:
http://weber.u.washington.edu/~fasdpn/
Facial Phenotyping
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The Lip/Philtrum Scale
A pictorial guide has been developed to rate the degree of philtrum flattening from 1 (normal) to 5 (flat). A laminated scale is used to compare the degree of flattening. Full instructions on the use of the tool and ordering instructions can be found by going to:
http://weber.u.washington.edu/~fasdpn/
CAGE Questionnaire
This simple interviewing tool is popular in the primary care setting using informal techniques. Clients are asked the following question:
- Have you ever felt you should Cut down on your drinking?
- Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
- Have you ever felt bad or Guilty about your drinking?
- Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover? (Eye opener)
For every yes answer, a score of 1 is given. A score of 1 or more is indicative of a an alcohol problem and should lead to a more in depth assessment of the issue. Brief instructions on the use of the tool can be found at:
http://www.med.unc.edu/alcohol/cage.html
Biomarkers
Traditional testing includes an analysis of all or some of the following lab tests:
- Blood alcohol measurements
- Gamma-glutamyltransferase
- Aspartate aminotransferase
- Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin
- Serotonin metabolite ratios
- Erythrocyte aldehyde dehydrogenase.
Currently, research is done to look at the DNA extracted from the lymphocytes of subjects to identify the polymorphisms of alcohol, aldehyde-metabolizing enzymes and dopamine receptor polymorphisms which is thought to hold some answers as to the protective and predisposing factors in Alcoholism. Other biomarkers being researched include:
- The decrease in IP3-specific binding in the platelets of Alcoholics.
- A weighted aggregation based on a weighted aggregation based on three biological alcohol markers (gamma-glutamyltransferase, blood alcohol and mean corpuscular volume).
- A combination of gamma GT and CDTect results increased the positive predictive value.
For more information on the effect of Alcohol on Biomarkers, go to the Biomarker Abstracts page.
Brain Mapping
Brain mapping is the term used to describe the quantitative 3-D investigation of brain structure and function. Brain structure is imaged using anatomical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (aMRI) while brain physiology is imaged using Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) or functional MRI (fMRI). Data from testing is combined for a multi-modality image analysis.
For more information on brain mapping go to:
http://www.bic.mni.mcgill.ca/
