Neurodiagnostics
Complex, yet delicate, the nervous system is your body’s way of relaying messages to your brain so you can do everything from walking to talking to enjoying a concert or solving a crossword puzzle. But a neurological condition or injury can disrupt the body's communications system, making it difficult to complete even the simplest task. Whether it’s a sudden stroke, a concussion or the ongoing management of epilepsy, the neurologists of AKMC’s Special Services Department are here to help. Not only do our Neurodiagnostics specialists have the experience necessary to quickly and accurately diagnose nervous system conditions and disorders, but they also have a full range of testing resources at their disposal.
Available Testing
The following tests are performed at Allegheny Valley Hospital to diagnose a variety of nervous system conditions and disorders:
Electroencephalography (EEG)
This test is used to record and interpret the brain’s electrical activity. To perform an EEG, technologists place electrodes onto the patient’s scalp to monitor brain waves. EEG is a painless, relaxing procedure in which sleep is encouraged. Total time for an EEG is approximately an hour and 30 minutes.
24-Hour Ambulatory EEG
This scheduled procedure monitors brain activity for 24 hours or longer and may be ordered by the physician if the patient is experiencing loss of consciousness, periods of confusion or staring spells. Once connected to the recording device, the patient returns home to be monitored; applying electrodes and giving instruction on recording parameters usually takes about two hours. The patient is instructed to keep a diary of activities and symptoms during the 24-hour monitoring period. The following day, the patient will return to the hospital to have the equipment removed, which takes about one hour. The 24-hour recordings will then be scanned and reviewed by a staff neurologist and results will be sent to the patient’s physician.
Electromyogram (EMG)/Nerve Conduction
EMG/Nerve Conduction is a study of the peripheral nervous system that is used to determine if a patient’s symptoms of weakness, numbness or pain may have a neurological basis. This test is performed in two parts: Electrical stimulation to the extremities to acquire nerve responses; and the insertion of a small, needle-type electrode into the muscles to record muscle activity. Patients may experience pain during an EMG/Nerve Conduction, but there are no
residual effects from the testing. The test can take up to two hours to complete.
Electronystamography (ENG)
Patients suffering from vertigo and dizziness will be asked to participate in an ENG. This test is performed in three parts: Placing electrodes around the patient’s eyes to record eye movement as they follow a series of lights; adjusting patients into different positions while recording eye movement; and lastly, placing a small balloon-like catheter into the ear canals while recording eye movement. Recording eye movement helps doctors determine the cause of dizziness. An ENG takes approximately an hour and 30 minutes to complete.
Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER)
This study of the nervous system is performed to confirm the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, to detect tumors and abnormalities, and to monitor brain activity during surgery. Several surface
electrodes are placed on the patient’s head and ears, and both ears are tested. BAER takes approximately 45 minutes.
Visual Evoked Response (VER)
VER is the study of the optic (eye) nerves. During this test, a patch is placed over the patient’s eye that is not being tested. The patient is then asked to concentrate on the center mark of a monitor displaying a changing checkerboard pattern. Testing time for VER is approximately 45 minutes.
Somatosensory Evoked Response (SER)
This test is used to study the central and peripheral nervous system. Because all four extremities are tested during SER, this can be a lengthy test - sometimes taking up to two hours. SER consists of surface electrodes being placed on the patient’s legs, middle back, neck, shoulder area and head. Each extremity being tested will experience minimal electrical stimulation.
Audiology
Hearing loss is becoming a problem of epidemic proportions in adults as young as age 45. Therefore, an auditory evaluation should be considered part of a yearly physical examination. AKMC Neuro-diagnostics offers the following services for hearing disorders and impairments:
• Diagnostic audiological evaluations to
determine the degree and type of hearing
loss, as well as the potential need for
amplification.
• Impedance (tympanometry) audiometry
to assess the status of the patient’s
middle ear system.
• Audiogram to determine if there is a
neurological cause for hearing loss.
• Diagnostic audiological evaluations.
To find out more about Neurodiagnostics
and Audiology, call AKMC Special Services
at 724-226-7346.
Neurodiagnostics
Alle-Kiski Medical Center
1301 Carlisle Street
Natrona Heights, PA 15065
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Special Services
If your patient is suffering from a complex disorder and requires the care of a specialist, you want to send them to a facility where you know they’ll be in good hands and receive the treatment they deserve for their unique circumstances.
The Special Services Department
at Allegheny Valley Hospital - part of Alle-Kiski Medical Center and West Penn Allegheny Health System - consists of three specialty divisions: Pulmonary Lab and Rehabilitation, Neurodiagnostics, and the Sleep Laboratory. Each staff member contributes years
of experience and training to
the department, making it one
of the most sophisticated and
progressive facilities in the region.
Special Services staff are dedicated to providing service excellence
and care for their patients with
sensitivity and compassion. They also make it a top priority to
provide physicians with test results in a timely manner.
The Special Services Department at AKMC utilizes some of the most advanced medical equipment available to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. Upgraded equipment includes a videobronchoscope system, electroencephalography (EEG), electromyogram (EMG) and a state-of-the-art Sleep Lab system. In addition, an upgraded computer system enables clerical staff to process patient appointments more efficiently. We offer the following outpatient procedures:
Pulmonary Lab and Rehabilitation
• Pulmonary function testing
• Respiratory muscle testing
• Arterial blood gas measurements
• Pulse oximetry/oxygen evaluations
• Home oxygen referrals and
re-certification
• Fiber-optic bronchoscopy
• Chest physiotherapy
• Flutter valve mucous
clearance techniques
• Spontaneous aerosol treatments
• Metered dose inhaler instruction
• Peak flow monitoring
• Comprehensive pulmonary
rehabilitation program
Neurodiagnostics
• Electroencephalography (EEG)
• Electromyogram (EMG)
• Electronystamography (ENG)
• Brainstem auditory evoked potentials
• Visual evoked potentials
• Somatosensory median nerve
evoked potentials
• Somatosensory tibial nerve evoked
potentials
• Diagnostic audiological evaluations
• Impedance (tympanometry)
• Audiogram
Sleep Laboratory
• Polysomnogram
• Multiple sleep latency test
• Polysomnogram CPAP/BIPAP
titration
• Maintenance wakefulness test
Appointments are required for Special Services and can be scheduled by calling 724-226-7340.
Last Updated: December 20, 2007
Call 1-877-284-2000 for more information.