Neurology Tests Flashcards
(5 cards)
Neurology Department
Neurology is the study of diseases of the nervous system.
It includes the brain and the spinal cord;
This department conducts variety of tests on patients suspected of having strokes, epilepsy, dementia, multiple sclerosis, parkinsons etc.
Performed by a Neuro Tech or Neurologist.
Seizure: single occurrence
Epilepsy: diagnosis or chronic occurrences of seizures.
Narcolepsy: a chronic sleep disorder characterized by excessive sleepiness.
Electroencephalogram EEG
-A test to monitor the electric sensitivity of the brain and thereby detect disorders if any, using electrodes.
-Performed to study epilepsy, seizures, sleep disorders, location of tumor, infection, brain damage (head injuries or bleeding).
-EEG tech attaches specials sensors to patients head and these are hooked by wires to a computer.
- Computer records the brain’s electrical activity on the screen or on paper as wavy lines.
-To find certain types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain; the patient may have to be asleep during to the procedure.
- They will be required to not sleep at all night before the test or sleep less than 4 hours.
(Sleep Deprivation: can help optimize conditions during the EEG that can aid in detection of more subtle epileptiform abnormalities that may not have been seen in standard EEG)
-UC contacts Neurology Department and fills out REQ. Select appropriate EEG, it will be specified if sleep deprived EEG.
-POS: RMO, Kx.
If there is no neurology department in the faculty you may need to book at another facility and arrange transportation for patient; often done on an outpatient basis; children are sent to BCCH for this procedure.
Evoked Potentials
-An Evoked Potential test measures the time it takes for nerves to respond to stimulation.
-Size of response is measured.
-Can aid in diagnosis of conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson, spinal cord injuries, CVAs and eye lesions.
-Nerves from different areas of the body may be tested.
Types of Responses:
*VEP: Visual Evoked Potential (eyes are stimulated by looking at a test pattern or a strobe light).
*SSEP: Somatosensory Evoked Potential (nerves of the arms and or legs are stimulated by an electrical pulse).
*ABEP: Auditory Brainstem Evoked Potential (hearing is stimulated by listening to a test tone).
-Each type of response is recorded from brain waves by using electrodes taped to the head.
-Responses from electrodes are recorded.
-Time b/w stimulation and response is called latency indicates speed at which nerves pass a signal.
Electromyogram EMG
-Measures the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during contractions.
-Nerve conduction studies measure how well and how fast nerves can send electrical signals (NCV nerve conduction velocity).
-Nerve and muscle disorders cause muscle to react in abnormal ways.
-Performed for diseases such as Muscular dystrophy, traumatic injuries, myasthenia gravis and Gullian barre syndrome.
EMG done with Nerve Conduction studies give more info.
UC’s Responsibility for EMGs or Evoked Potentials
-Call neurology department.
-Fill out REQ.
-Kardex order under diagnostic test stating when test was ordered and date to be done (classroom purposes T+1).
-No Prep.
