Neurological Diagnostic Procedures
Firelands Health provides a variety of neurological diagnostic procedures at our main campus facility to diagnose neurological disorders.
Electromyography (EMG)/nerve conduction study (NCS)
This diagnostic procedure examines the health of muscles and nerves in the peripheral nervous system, which can reveal nerve dysfunction, muscle dysfunction or problems with nerve-to-muscle signal transmission. The examination consists of a nerve conduction study (NCS) using surface electrodes to measure the strength and speed of signals traveling along a nerve. This is followed by the insertion of a needle electrode directly into the muscle to measure and record electrical activity within the muscle.
Symptoms of a nerve condition that may be diagnosed via electromyography include:
- Numbness or loss of feeling
- Tingling sensation of the extremities
- Pain
- Muscle rigidity
- Decreased sensation in the extremities
- Weakness
- Muscle spasms
- Balance problems
- Lack of coordination
- Muscle wasting
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
EEG is a diagnostic procedure used to detect abnormalities related to the electrical activity of the brain, such as seizures, loss of consciousness and episodes of confusion, among many other neurological conditions. This exam uses small metal discs with thin wires (electrodes) that are placed on the surface of the scalp to analyze electrical impulses in the brain, which are then transmitted to a computer where the results are recorded and interpreted.
An electroencephalogram may be used to evaluate symptoms, including, but not limited to:
- Staring episodes
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Altered mental status
- Seizure disorder
- New-onset seizures
ICU 24-hour continuous video/EEG monitoring
24-hour continuous video/EEG in the intensive care setting can detect the presence of subclinical seizures or non-convulsive status epilepticus. This diagnostic procedure allows physicians to identify changes in brain function, which may not be evident by neurological examination alone. This includes:
- Diagnosis of non-convulsive seizures, non-convulsive status epilepticus, and other paroxysmal events.
- Assessment of the efficacy of therapy for seizures and status epilepticus.
- Assessment of the level of consciousness in patients receiving intravenous sedation or pharmacologically induced coma.
- Prognostication of patients following cardiopulmonary arrest.
- Identification of ischemia in patients at high risk for cerebral ischemia
Neuropsychological assessment
A neuropsychologist performs a comprehensive assessment of brain function for conditions including brain injury, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's.
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