Neuro-Diagnostic Test - on the day
What are Neuro-Diagnostic Tests?
Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and Electromyography (EMG)
NCS measure the speed and effectiveness with which the nerves in the arms or legs send messages to the muscles or from the skin.
EMG is an additional technique for evaluating skeletal muscles to ascertain whether they are producing normal or abnormal electrical activity.
Evoked Potential (EP) Tests
EP tests measure small electrical responses that may be recorded from the scalp when a stimulus is presented. The stimulus can be visual (Visual EP), auditory (Brain Stem Auditory EP) or sensory to the arms or legs (Somatosensory EP).
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
An EEG is a safe and painless test, recording electrical activity of the brain using small disc electrodes placed on the surface of the scalp.
Before your appointment
Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and Electromyography (EMG)
Refrain from using body moisturising lotions or other oils on the day of the examination. Continue to take all prescribed medication and eat normally.
Evoked Potential (EP) Tests
Hair to be clean and free from gels, oils or other hair preparations.
Continue to take all prescribed medication and eat normally.
Please note: if you wear glasses, it is important that you bring them with you.
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Hair to be clean and free from gels, oils or other hair preparations. Patients should also continue to take all prescribed medication and eat normally.
If you require assistance, would like to be accompanied by somebody to help with language interpretation or would wish to be escorted by a friend, relative or carer, please advise the Vista Booking staff.
Please arrive 5 minutes before your appointment time; if you are late we may not be able to carry out your scan. Please do not bring children to your appointment
On arrival
On arrival one of our staff will explain the procedure to you and answer any further questions you may have.
The Tests
Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and Electromyography (EMG)
In most instances, only nerve conduction studies are required to be performed. These measure the speed and effectiveness with which the nerves in your arms and/or legs send messages to the muscles or from the skin to enable you to move or feel.
Electromyography, if requested by the referring clinician, is an additional test on the muscles to see whether or not they are producing normal or abnormal electrical activity and this is usually performed after the nerve conduction studies are completed.
Evoked Potential (EP) Tests
It is a safe, painless and non-invasive test which is performed by attaching several recording disc electrodes to your scalp with a water soluble paste. There are no side or after effects associated with this procedure. Small electrical responses are recorded from the scalp when a stimulus is presented. The stimulus can be:
Visual –this is performed by asking the patient to concentrate on a reversing checkerboard pattern displayed on a TV monitor. In some cases, the patient may be asked to wear a pair of LED goggles or look at a flashing light or a small LED screen.
Auditory – clicks or sounds delivered using a pair of conventional headphones.
Touch - A sensory stimulus, in the form of a small electrical signal is delivered using a stimulator placed at the wrist or ankle.
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
An EEG is a recording of electrical activity of the brain using small disc electrodes placed at specific locations on the surface of the scalp. It is a safe and painless test, with no after or side effects. The electrodes are non-allergenic and are attached to the scalp using a special conductive paste and conventional Micropore tape. The minute electrical signals projected from the underlying brain may then be amplified, displayed in a rolling format on the computer screen, stored and subsequently prepared for analysis by the Departmental Doctor.
How will I get the results?
The Neuro-Diagnostic test report will be sent to the clinician that referred you for your test. You should telephone to confirm that they have received your report before arranging an appointment, unless the clinician has made different arrangements with you.
Giving your consent for the procedure
The information contained within this leaflet is intended to provide you with an overview of the examination or treatment that you are to receive. Prior to any medical procedure being carried out, the healthcare professional conducting the procedure will describe the nature of the examination or treatment you are to receive. It is your right to be given sufficient information to be able to make an informed decision as to whether you wish to consent to the examination/treatment or to refuse to undergo the procedure. Please ask any questions you may have.
These examinations require your written consent.
