Marquette General Brain and Spine Center

 

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) -- Sleep Studies --

 

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:

 

** EMG guided Botox injections for intractable muscle spasticity
** pinched nerves in the back or neck
** carpal tunnel syndrome
** other nerve or muscle disorders

 

 

Neurophysiology staff

 

The technical staff is highly trained and credentials include:

 

** Certification in Neurophysiologic Intraoperative Monitoring (CNIM)
** Nationally Registered Electroencephalographic Technologists (R EEG T)
** Registered Evoked Potential Technologists (REPT)
** Registered Polysomographic Technologists (RPSGT)
** 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, War Memorial Hospital, and Portage Health System.

 

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.