Electro-neurodiagnostic tests

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

An electroencephalogram is a test used to measure the brain's electrical activity. Electrodes are placed on the head and connected by wires to a computer. These detect and record brain waves on a digital computer. An EEG can help diagnose seizures, sleep disorders, dementia and other neurological conditions. There are several types of EEGs, including sleep deprived, 24-hour ambulatory, routine and long-term EEG monitoring.

Evoked response

An evoked response test measures the length of time it takes for nerves to respond to stimulation. Electrodes are attached to the head to record brain waves. In a visual evoked response test, looking at test patterns stimulates a patient's eyes. In a brainstem auditory evoked response test, the patient's hearing is stimulated with test tones. Both tests are used to diagnose multiple sclerosis, as well as other abnormalities in optic or auditory nerves. In the operating room, further monitoring can be provided to watch a patient for any changes during some neurosurgeries.

Nerve conduction

A nerve conduction test measures how well the nerves send electrical signals to the muscles. These signals control the way muscles react. Slow or broken signals can cause the muscles to weaken or malfunction. In this test, electrodes are attached to the skin - one to release a small electrical pulse into the nerve and another to record the muscle's response. Nerve conduction tests can help diagnose muscle and nerve problems such as muscular dystrophy or carpal tunnel syndrome. Doctors perform nerve conduction tests at the hospital or in the neurologist's office.

Somatosensory evoked potential

Evoked potentials are the electrical signals generated by the nervous system in response to sensory stimuli. Somatosensory evoked potential tests are used for clinical diagnosis in patients with neurological disease.

Electromyleogram (EMG)

An electromyleogram is a test used to measure electrical activity of the muscles while moving and at rest. Electrodes are placed in the muscle and connected by wires to a computer. These detect and record the muscle's electrical signals on a digital computer. An EMG can help diagnose diseases that cause muscle damage, such as muscular dystrophy.

Newborn hearing screening

Newborns cannot tell us whether or not they are able to hear clearly. That's why we provide a hearing screening for newborn babies, to detect potential or existing hearing loss before it affects speech and language development. Babies are typically sleeping during the test. Sensors are placed on the baby's head and behind each ear. These sensors are connected to a computer. Quiet sounds are made into the baby's ear while the sensors record how well the baby's nerves respond to the sounds. Babies who do not pass the hearing screening after several attempts are referred to a hearing specialist.