Services

EEG (Electroencephalogram)
An EEG is a recording of the spontaneous electrical activity of the brain. Small metal disc electrodes are attached to the patient's scalp with paste. The electrodes "pick up" the electrical activity of the brain. The patient may be required to sleep during a portion of the test, and special activation procedures, such as deep breathing and strobe light may be performed. The EEG is a totally painless procedure which usually takes about 1 hour and the patient should plan on washing their hair after the test because of the paste that is used.

Carotid Duplex
This test uses imaging and ultrasound waves to look at and listen to the major blood vessels in the neck, the carotid arteries and their branches, leading to the brain. A visual image is taken of the arteries with no discomfort to the patient whatsoever. A clear gel is applied to the neck during the examination, so no turtlenecks or high neck shirts, scarves etc should be worn. The test is painless and the patient should allow 45-60 minutes for the study.

Transcranial Doppler (TCD)
This test determines adequate/inadequate blood flow in the head from the carotid arteries and their branches as well as the vertebral arteries. Ultrasound is used and there is no discomfort to the patient. A clear gel will be applied to the temporal areas, eyelids and back and sides of the neck. Turtlenecks, high neck shirts, scarves etc should not be worn for this test. The patient should allow 45-60 minutes for the study.

Evoked Potential Tests

What can I expect from Evoked Potential Tests?
If your physician has requested that you have an evoked potential test, this will give you some helpful information about what to expect. An evoked potential test measures the brain's response to various kinds of stimulation. These responses are plotted on a sheet of paper and reviewed by a neurologist, who is a physician specializing in conditions of the nervous system. Although not a treatment, the test will contribute to your total medical evaluation.

Are the tests painful and how long will they take?
The stress tests are painless and if all three are ordered, will take 2-2 '/2 hours.

What takes place prior to the tests?
You will be given a time and date to return to this office for your testing. Your hair and scalp should be clean and free of oils and hairspray. Also, do not use any oils, creams, or lotions on your arms or legs the day of the testing. When you come here for your evoked potential testing you will be placed in a comfortable room. The examining technician will measure and mark your head to ensure accurate placement of the small metal discs that will be placed with a paste-like substance on your scalp. This paste will be completely removed after the tests. Some stick on electrodes may also be placed on your body.

What happens during a Visual Evoked Test? (VER)
If you are having a visual evoked potential test, you will be asked to focus on the center of a checkerboard pattern that is shifting back and forth. You will have one eye tested at a time, and will need to be as alert as possible. Please bring your usual eye glasses, contact lenses etc. with you.

What happens during a Brainstem Auditory Evoked Test? (BAER)
If you are having a brainstem auditory evoked potential test, you will have a brief hearing test, followed by a series of clicks in each ear, one at a time. You may relax and even fall asleep during this test if you wish.

What happens during a Somatosensory Evoked Potential Test? (SSEP)
If you are having a Somatosensory evoked potential test, you will feel a slight tingling in your hand or foot that may cause your fingers or toes to wiggle. You should relax as much as you can. Also, you should wear loose comfortable clothing that can be lifted about the knee or shorts if you prefer.

About Your Ambulatory And/Or Video EEG Test

Before you come in:

Wash your hair the night before the test. It must be dry and free from gels, conditioners, sprays, and oils on the day of the test.
Wear a loose fitting, button down front style shirt. Note: Nylon and satin clothing produce static electricity. This can affect the EEG recording and should not be worn. Natural fibers such as cotton are preferred.
Unless otherwise instructed by your ordering physician, continue taking your medications.

At the office:

Please arrive at your scheduled appointment time.
The technician will help you put on a waist belt to hold the recording device, or you may elect to wear this around your neck and across one shoulder if you like. This may be worn under your outer shirt and hidden from view. The recorder will be placed in a padded pouch attached to the waist belt. If your doctor here has scheduled your for a video EEG, you will also carry home with you a video recorder in a padded case. This is heavy, has two carrying straps, and an over the shoulder one.
Electrodes will be applied to your head, and ECG electrodes will be placed on your chest for monitoring your heart activity.
The technician will show you how to operate the recorder(s) and tell you when to return to the office to be disconnected.
You will not be permitted to take a shower or bath or get the recorder(s) wet at all during the test. You can not give a child or anyone else a bath. You should not place your hands in water to do dishes, but routine hand washing is not a problem.
You will not be able to sleep with an electric blanket or on a water bed with the heater on, and you cannot use a heating pad. It is best to plan not to use your cell phone or cordless phone anymore than absolutely necessary. Anything that will cycle off and on can generate electrical fields that may interfere with the recording.
We recommend that you plan not to go to work on your recording day(s). You will have your head wrapped in a white stretchy bandage material. You will be attached to a waist pack, and to the video monitoring system, if this is what your doctor has ordered. Therefore you will most likely want to arrange to be off work and stay near home during your testing day(s). You may do your normal routine during the test, but you will have to be near the video recorder as much as possible.