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Neurophysiology
What
is Neurophysiology?
When you think
about the fact that the brain and nervous system are like electrical
wiring in the body, it's easy to understand that electrical impulses
can be measured, and therefore, studied.
Neurophysiology
includes all the electrical tests that study the function of the
brain and nerves.
Each kind of test is ordered by your physician for specific purposes.
Electroencephalogram
(EEG)--
Provides valuable
information about headaches, seizure, and other puzzling problems.
EEG is also
used to evaluate: infections of the nervous system strokes tumors
growth and development of the brain in babies and children.
EEGs are often
done during surgery on the arteries of the neck to make sure there
is enough blood flow to the brain.
During
an EEG, small pads are placed on the head to record brain waves.
EEG cannot record thought, and the test is totally painless.
Long
Term Video-EEG Monitoring (LTM) -
State of the
art digital technology is being offered at Marquette General Hospital
to help patients with epilepsy and seizure disorders. Long
Term Video-EEG Monitoring is now available to assist our epilepsy
specialist to diagnose and treat adult and pediatric patients who
have seizures, spells or poorly controlled epilepsy.
(VEEG/LTM) performed
in the hospital is the simultaneous recording of EEG and digital
video over an extended period of time, usually 24 to 48 hours. It
evaluates intermittent or infrequent losses of consciousness, seizures
and other alterations in behavior or mental status.
Patients should
ask for a referral from their primary physician in order to be admitted
for this unique testing. For more information about video-eeg
monitoring or specialized epilepsy care call Neurology
Associates of Marquette at 1-888-886-4644
(in Upper Michigan and NE Wisconsin) or 1-906-225-3993.
Evoked
Potentials (EP)--
Evaluate the
conditions of nerve pathways. EPs are electrical signals of the
nerves, spinal cord and brain in response to light (stimulation
of the eyes), sound (stimulation of the ears) or mild electrical
current (stimulation of the nerves) in the arms or legs.
EPs are used
to diagnose disorders of the nervous system such as Multiple Sclerosis,
hearing loss and spinal cord problems.
During surgery
on the back and neck, EPs are used to check the patient's condition.
Neurosurgeons may also use EPs during surgery to help locate important
brain structures.
Polysomnograms(PSG)--
or sleep studies
are used to diagnose problems of excessive fatigue, sleepiness,
snoring, or restless sleep. Patients are monitored while they sleep
for brain wave patterns, eye movements, muscle tension, air flow
and respiratory effort, oxygen levels and heart beat.
Electromyogram
(EMG) & Nerve Conduction Velocity ( NCV)--
are done by
the physicians to diagnose problems such as:
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EMG
guided Botox injections for intractable muscle spasticity |
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pinched
nerves in the back or neck |
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carpal
tunnel syndrome |
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other
nerve or muscle disorders |
Neurophysiology
staff
The technical
staff is highly trained and credentials include:
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Certification
in Neurophysiologic Intraoperative Monitoring (CNIM) |
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Nationally
Registered Electroencephalographic Technologists (R EEG T) |
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Registered
Evoked Potential Technologists (REPT) |
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Registered
Polysomographic Technologists (RPSGT) |
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Registered
Respiratory Therapists (RRT) |
Outreach
Services:
In cooperation
with hospitals throughout the region, we provide services close
to home:
MGHS provides,
EEG equipment and interpretation to Bell Memorial Hospital, Baraga
County Memorial Hospital, Grandview Health System, Helen Newberry
Joy Hospital, Iron County General Hospital, Keweenaw Memorial Medical
Center, Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital and War Memorial Hospital,
Portage Health System, and Ontonagon Memorial Hospital.
Community
Services
The Neurophysiology
department can provide an expert speaker for community groups on
a variety of topics through the MGH
Speaker's Bureau at 1-800-562-9753, extension 3470 or 225-3470.
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