Neurodiagnostics is the study and recording of activity in the brain
and nervous system to determine if they are functioning correctly. St.
Mary's Neurodiagnostics Department assists physicians in the diagnosis
of conditions including epilepsy, vascular disease, multiple sclerosis,
movement disorders, head trauma and many more. All studies are
performed by Registered Technologists.
Electroencephalograph (EEG)
An EEG records the electrical activity of the brain. Sensitive
monitoring equipment records the activity through electrodes placed on
the patient's scalp. EEGs assist physicians in the diagnosis of a
variety of neurological problems from headaches and dizziness to
seizure disorders, strokes, and degenerative brain disease. The EEG is
also used to look for organic causes of psychiatric symptoms and
disabilities in children and to determine irreversible brain death.
Evoked Potential (EP)
The EP records electrical activity from the brain, spinal nerves, or
sensory receptors as they respond to stimulation introduced as part of
the test. How long the response takes helps evaluate a number of
different problems, including spinal cord injuries and hearing loss.
Intraoperative Monitoring
St. Mary's Neurodiagnostics Department monitors patients during some
types of surgery, giving the surgeon additional information about brain
and nerve function during the operation. Evoked potential and
electromyography monitoring may be used during neurosurgery or
orthopedic surgery, to help evaluate the nerve pathways of the area
being operated on.
Diagnosing Sleep Disorders
Polysomnographic technologists use a combination of neurodiagnostic
and physiological techniques to monitor a patient's sleep during a
night in St. Mary's Sleep Lab. Recording and
studying brain and nerve activity, breathing patterns, and all other
body activity help physicians diagnose and treat sleep disorders such
as insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy. For
more information: St. Mary's Sleep Lab.
Newborn Hearing Screening
The Neurodiagnostic Department tests the hearing of every baby born
at St. Mary's Hospital. Auditory pathway studies help identify hearing
problems early.