Electroneurodiagnostics is the study and recording of the electrical activity within the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system. Highly skilled technologists perform the diagnostic study independently and the final diagnosis is provided by a specially trained physician. The intraoperative monitoring specialist works in the operating room and monitors the patient’s nervous system structures. This reduces the risk of permanent neurologic injury during surgical procedures that place the brain, spinal cord, or nerves at risk of injury. Intraoperative monitoring specialists can assist to prevent permanent neurologic damage or even paralysis. Most electroneurodiagnostic testing procedures are performed outside of operating room in hospitals, physician offices, and private clinics. Neurologists, general physicians, pain management clinics, chiropractors and surgeons routinely utilize electroneurodiagnostic testing thus providing multiple employment opportunities.
Neurophysiologic Intraoperative Monitoring
Neurophysiologic Intraoperative Monitoring (NIOM) is used routinely during orthopedic and brain surgeries to prevent nerve damage and patient paralysis. It can be utilized along with evoked potential and electromyography testing during neurosurgery to help evaluate the nerve pathways of the area being operated on. Intraoperative monitoring may be used during some types of surgery providing the surgeon additional information about brain and nervous system function during the operation. Evoked potential and Electromyography monitoring may be used during neurosurgery to help evaluate the nerve pathways of the area being operated on.
Nerve Conduction Study (NCS)
In performing a nerve conduction study (NCS) the technologist tapes small electrodes on the skin and applies a brief electrical stimulus to one portion of the nerve causing a tingling sensation and a muscle twitch. Technique and performance of nerve conduction testing includes, motor and sensory nerve testing; H-Reflex; F-Waves; Repetitive stimulation; and Blink Reflexes. Nerve conduction studies assist the physician in determining peripheral nerve damage, carpal tunnel syndrome, muscular dystrophy, myopathy, Lou Gehrig’s disease, myasthenia gravis and other neuropathies. These studies are routinely used by neurologists, neurosurgeons, chiropractors, pain management clinics and general practice physicians.
Electromyography (EMG)
EMG analyzes electrical activity of your muscles by inserting a fine, sterile, disposable needle into selected muscles. Any discomfort felt is only mild. The needles are sterile and are discarded after each patient.
Electroencephalography (EEG)
An EEG records the electrical activity of the brain. Sensitive monitoring equipment records the activity through electrodes placed on the patient’s scalp. EEG test helps physicians in the diagnosis of a variety of neurological problems from headaches and dizziness to seizure disorders, strokes, and degenerative brain disease. The EEG is also used to look for organic causes of psychiatric symptoms, disabilities in children and to determine irreversible brain death.
Evoked Potentials (EP)
The EP records electrical activity from the brain, spinal nerves, or sensory receptors as they respond to stimulation introduced as part of the test. How long the response takes helps evaluate a number of different problems, including spinal cord injuries and hearing loss. Most common evoked potential are: Visual Evoked Potential, Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential, and Upper and/or Lower Somatosensory Evoked Potential.
Polysomnography
Polysomnography (PSG), also known as a sleep study is a comprehensive recording of the biophysiological changes that occur during sleep. It is usually performed at night, when most people sleep, though some labs can accommodate shift workers and people with circadian rhythm sleep disorders and do the test at other times of day. The PSG monitors many body functions including brain (EEG), eye movements (EOG), muscle activity or skeletal muscle activation (EMG) and heart rhythm (ECG) during sleep. After the identification of the sleep disorder sleep apnea in the 1970s, the breathing functions respiratory airflow and respiratory effort indicators were added along with peripheral pulse oximetry.
As a student you may choose to specialize in one of the neurodiagnostic modalities such as EEG or you may become proficient in multiple types of testing methods thus increasing your employability and income potential.