The Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a recording of the on-going electrical activity of the brain. An EEG can assist in the diagnosis of a variety of neurological problems-from common headaches to dizziness to seizure disorders, strokes and degenerative brain disease. The EEG is also used to determine organic causes of psychiatric symptoms and disabilities in children and can assist physicians in determining irreversible brain death.
Ambulatory EEG (AEEG) is a prolonged EEG which can record the clinical events and the EEG recording to aid in the diagnosis of seizures and other neurological disorders. Studies can range anywhere from 24 to 72 hours.
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The Evoked Potential (EP) is a recording of electrical activity from the brain, spinal nerves, or sensory receptors that occurs in direct response to external stimuli. EP waveforms require sophisticated computer equipment to extract data that will allow physicians to determine the functional state of these pathways. This test is commonly performed by the technologist during surgery on the spine to help the surgeon make sure the nerves are not damaged during the operation. Evoked Potentials are also performed in a clinical END laboratory, using either earphones to stimulate the hearing pathway, or a checkerboard pattern on a T. V. screen to stimulate the visual pathway, or a small electrical current to stimulate a nerve in the arm or leg. |
Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) evaluate electrical potentials from peripheral nerves. Technologists stimulate the nerve with an electrical current and then record how long it takes the nerve impulse to reach the muscle.
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Intra operative Neuromonitoring (IONM)
IONM is conducted on patients undergoing surgery. Patients having surgery on arteries in the neck or around the heart often have EEG monitoring performed during the procedure, providing the surgeon with additional information about brain function. Evoked potentials are sometimes used to assess nerve function during surgical procedures involving the spinal cord or brain. |
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