Neurodiagnostic Services
 The Neurodiagnostics Department at Flagstaff Medical Center provides electroencephalogram (EEG), nerve conduction velocity and electromyogram (NCV/EMG), evoked potential (EP) testing and intraoperative (IOM) monitoring.
Our staff is committed to providing excellent care for the patient and the family. The department is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Specialized Tests
Electroencephalogram (EEG) records the electrical activity of the brain in patients of all ages. An EEG can help diagnose or rule out medical conditions such as seizure disorders, strokes, tumors and brain injury.
During an EEG, various procedures may be used to activate certain brain waves.
- Hyperventilation — If the patient’s medical condition permits, he or she may be asked to breathe rapidly and deeply for a few minutes. This may cause mild dizziness or tingling, which is a normal response.
- Sleep-deprivation — A patient is asked to get no more than three hours of sleep the night before the EEG.
- Photic Stimulation — A flashing light is placed in front of the eyes of the patient causing the patient to see various colors and patterns.
- Nasopharyngeal EEG — This particular EEG uses two NP leads that are placed directly at the base of the brain through the nostrils and sinuses. This test detects temporal lobe abnormalities that can cause seizures.
A young patient who may not be able to remain still for the duration of the procedure may be sedated to ensure test accuracy.
Nerve Conduction Velocity and Electromyogram (NCV/EMG) is a two-part test used to diagnose neuromuscular conditions by means of electrodes and needle electrodes. These studies are used to diagnose:
- Lou Gehrig’s disease
- Guillian-Barre syndrome
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Evoked Potential (EP) testing measures the brain’s response to signals sent by the nerves.
- BAER: Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response — This test checks the pathways from the ear to the brain. The BAEP test may help uncover the cause of balance problems.
- VER: Visual Evoked Response — VER checks the pathway from the eyes to the brain. This test may help find the cause of certain vision problems.
- SSER: Somatosensory Evoked Response — SSEP checks the pathway from the nerves in the limbs to the brain. The SSEP test is a way to study the function of these nerves, the spinal cord and the brain.
Intraoperative (IOM) monitoring is used as an aid during surgery to safeguard the nervous system. The premise of IOM is that changes in neuro-electric activity occur prior to permanent anatomic injury, which allows the surgeon time to initiate intervention strategies. This monitoring system is used on patients with:
- Severe scoliosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Previously fused discs
- Ruptured or herniated discs
Professional Care
- Board-certified neurologist
- Registered electroneurodiagnostic technologists
Communications
- Reports are generated within 24 hours for emergency cases only
- Reports are called in when conditions require special attention
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