Neurophysiology

Question 1

what does an EEG assess?

Answer 1

electrical activity within the brain

Question 2

what can an EEG diagnose?

Answer 2

epilepsy
non-epileptic attacks
altered states of consciousness
brain death

Question 3

what conditions can you see from an EEG?

Answer 3

epilepsy

encephalopathy

Question 4

what is an EMG and how does it work?

Answer 4

looks at action potentials from whole motor units
it can alter position of needle to record 2 fibres from the whole motor unit. there is normally so variation in time in firing between the two so if there is this indicates pathology = jitter

Question 5

what is the pathophysiology of myasthenia gravis?

Answer 5

antibodies within the neuromuscular junction which decrease the effectiveness of released ACh

Question 6

what is the presentation of Myasthenia gravis?

Answer 6

weakness
fatigue which progresses throughout the day
ptosis
diplopia

Question 7

how would you diagnose myasthenia gravis?

Answer 7

single fibre EMG

Question 8

why are nerve conduction studies / electromyography carried out?

Answer 8

to investigate problems to peripheral nerves and muscles