Neurology Tests

Question 1

Neurology Department

Answer 1

Neurology is the study of diseases of the nervous system.
It includes the brain and the spinal cord;
This department conducts variety of tests on patients suspected of having strokes, epilepsy, dementia, multiple sclerosis, parkinsons etc.
Performed by a Neuro Tech or Neurologist.

Seizure: single occurrence
Epilepsy: diagnosis or chronic occurrences of seizures.
Narcolepsy: a chronic sleep disorder characterized by excessive sleepiness.

Question 2

Electroencephalogram EEG

Answer 2

-A test to monitor the electric sensitivity of the brain and thereby detect disorders if any, using electrodes.
-Performed to study epilepsy, seizures, sleep disorders, location of tumor, infection, brain damage (head injuries or bleeding).
-EEG tech attaches specials sensors to patients head and these are hooked by wires to a computer.
- Computer records the brain’s electrical activity on the screen or on paper as wavy lines.
-To find certain types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain; the patient may have to be asleep during to the procedure.
- They will be required to not sleep at all night before the test or sleep less than 4 hours.

(Sleep Deprivation: can help optimize conditions during the EEG that can aid in detection of more subtle epileptiform abnormalities that may not have been seen in standard EEG)

-UC contacts Neurology Department and fills out REQ. Select appropriate EEG, it will be specified if sleep deprived EEG.
-POS: RMO, Kx.

If there is no neurology department in the faculty you may need to book at another facility and arrange transportation for patient; often done on an outpatient basis; children are sent to BCCH for this procedure.

Question 3

Evoked Potentials

Answer 3

-An Evoked Potential test measures the time it takes for nerves to respond to stimulation.
-Size of response is measured.
-Can aid in diagnosis of conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson, spinal cord injuries, CVAs and eye lesions.
-Nerves from different areas of the body may be tested.

Types of Responses:
*VEP: Visual Evoked Potential (eyes are stimulated by looking at a test pattern or a strobe light).
*SSEP: Somatosensory Evoked Potential (nerves of the arms and or legs are stimulated by an electrical pulse).
*ABEP: Auditory Brainstem Evoked Potential (hearing is stimulated by listening to a test tone).

-Each type of response is recorded from brain waves by using electrodes taped to the head.
-Responses from electrodes are recorded.
-Time b/w stimulation and response is called latency indicates speed at which nerves pass a signal.

Question 4

Electromyogram EMG

Answer 4

-Measures the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during contractions.
-Nerve conduction studies measure how well and how fast nerves can send electrical signals (NCV nerve conduction velocity).
-Nerve and muscle disorders cause muscle to react in abnormal ways.
-Performed for diseases such as Muscular dystrophy, traumatic injuries, myasthenia gravis and Gullian barre syndrome.

EMG done with Nerve Conduction studies give more info.

Question 5

UC’s Responsibility for EMGs or Evoked Potentials

Answer 5

-Call neurology department.
-Fill out REQ.
-Kardex order under diagnostic test stating when test was ordered and date to be done (classroom purposes T+1).
-No Prep.