The Neurophysiology department at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) offers a broad scope of diagnostic tests that study and record the electrical activity in the brain and nervous system. At NGMC, services are provided by an integrated, collaborative department of board-certified neurologists and experienced technicians who specialize in administering and interpreting diagnostic tests for a wide range of neurological disorders.
We offer diagnostic services for both inpatients and outpatients and all are provided through the most advanced, state-of-the-art neurodiagnostic equipment.
Our Services
Electromyography (EMG) – EMG is a diagnostic procedure used to assess and test the electrical activity of peripheral muscles and nerves. During the study small electrodes are placed directly into the muscle using tiny needles and/or on the body’s surface to measure the speed and strength of the muscles’ signals. These signal responses aide the physician in identifying and diagnosing abnormal electrical activity. Common conditions diagnosed using EMG include neuropathy, myopathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and sciatica.
Electroencephalography (EEG) – EEG measures on-going electrical activity in the brain through electrodes placed on the scalp. Brain activity is usually measured over a 25-30 minute time period. EEGs are used to assist in the diagnosis of epilepsy and a variety of other neurological conditions, including headache, dizziness, stroke, prolonged coma and degenerative brain disease.
Continuous Electroencephalography (cEEG) – Also referred to as long-term EEG video monitoring, cEEG is similar to a routine EEG but instead of a short sample of brain activity, cEEG is designed to measure and trend brain activity and seizure spikes over a 24-72 hour period while simultaneously recording the patient. Continuous EEG monitoring is often used in critical care environments to identify subclinical or subtle, non-convulsive seizures.
Ambulatory EEG (AEEG) – Similar to a routine EEG, AEEG is designed to capture a longer recording of brain activity that includes prolonged periods when a patient is both awake and asleep. This type of study increases the chance of capturing intermittent abnormalities and records brainwaves of someone who is walking around, freely mobile and not confined to a testing room. Initial set-up and placement takes about one hour and is completed in the Neurophysiology Lab. Then the patient is able to leave and carry on a normal daily routine. Total recording time generally ranges between 24 and 72 hours.
Evoked Potentials – Two common types of evoked potential diagnostics are Visuals (VEP) and Brainstem Auditory (BAER) tests. To perform the test, a technician will use earphones to stimulate the hearing pathway, a checkerboard pattern on a television screen to stimulate the visual pathway or a small electrical current to stimulate a nerve in the arm or leg.
Videonystamography (VNG) – The most common test for diagnosing balance disorders is a VNG study. VNG is a group of eye-movement tests that look for signs of vestibular dysfunction or neurological problems by measuring nystagmus (involuntary eye movements). During a VNG, eye movements are video recorded and analyzed by using an infrared video camera mounted inside goggles that the patient wears. The second component of the test involves circulating warm and cool air into the ear canal to stimulate the inner ear in order to test the nystagmus response.
Contact Us
Please call the Department of Neurophysiology at 770-219-3543 for more information.
Location
The Neurophysiology Lab is located in the South Patient Tower of Northeast Georgia Medical Center on the first floor.
743 Spring Street, Gainesville, GA 30501
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