Neurodiagnostic Evaluation

A neurodiagnostic evaluation is a comprehensive assessment used to diagnose and monitor conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. It is a non-surgical approach that measures the electrical activity of the nervous system, providing critical data on its function.

The process begins with a thorough clinical evaluation, including a detailed patient history and a neurological exam. Based on the initial findings, specific tests are selected to target suspected abnormalities. Common neurodiagnostic tests include:

• Electroencephalogram (EEG): This fundamental test records the brain’s continuous electrical activity via electrodes placed on the scalp. It is primarily used to detect epilepsy, seizure disorders, and evaluate encephalopathies.

• Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and Electromyography (EMG): Often performed together, these tests assess the peripheral nerves and muscles. NCS measures how quickly electrical impulses travel through a nerve, identifying nerve damage or compression (like carpal tunnel syndrome). EMG uses a fine needle to evaluate the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during contraction, diagnosing disorders such as neuropathy or myopathy.

• Evoked Potentials (EPs): These tests measure the electrical signals generated by the nervous system in response to specific stimuli. Types include Visual EPs (for vision pathways), Brainstem Auditory EPs (for hearing pathways), and Somatosensory EPs (for sensory pathways from limbs to the brain).

• Polysomnography (PSG): This comprehensive sleep study monitors brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, and breathing during sleep to diagnose disorders like sleep apnea and narcolepsy.

The primary goal of a neurodiagnostic evaluation is to localize the source of a neurological problem, differentiate between conditions with similar symptoms, establish a precise diagnosis, and guide treatment decisions, such as the need for medication or surgery.