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The Neurodiagnostics Laboratory at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis is internationally recognized for providing high-quality neurophysiologic testing for patients. Technology available at Baptist Memphis allows for the diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system disorders, such as head and spinal cord injuries, epilepsy, strokes, tumors, aneurysms and multiple sclerosis.
Performed by registered electroneurodiagnostic technologists, tests include:
Specific questions regarding how these procedures are performed may be directed to the Neurodiagnostic Laboratory at (901) 226-5192. Questions regarding why these studies are being requested or the diagnosis being evaluated should be directed to your attending physician.  Neurodiagnostic Tests EEG Using highly sensitive monitoring equipment, the electroencephalogram (EEG) painlessly measures and records electrical signals normally generated by the brain. Although commonly used for diagnosing seizures (epilepsy), EEGs assist physicians in diagnosing other problems, such as common headaches, vertigo (dizziness), strokes, degenerative brain diseases, organic causes of psychiatric symptoms and disabilities and other diseases of the brain. The EEG also helps determine irreversible brain death. VEP The Visual Evoked Potential (VEP) evaluates the activity along the nerve that connects the eye to the occipital lobe, the part of the brain responsible for vision. Visual pathway activity can be monitored in one of two ways: the pattern shift VEP and the flash VEP. During a pattern shift VEP, the patient focuses on a television screen displaying a checkerboard pattern with reversing squares. The flash VEP test uses a television screen that has a strobe light. This painless study allows a physician to diagnose a wide variety of conditions that affect the visual system. After a patient receives visual stimulation, VEPs monitor neural activity in order to determine the presence of disease or degeneration or the location of nerve lesions. SSEP The Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SSEP) evaluates the sensory nervous system from the limbs, through the spinal cord and up to the brain. As part of the study, a patient receives small amounts of stimulation similar to “static on a carpet.” The stimulus then creates signals that the SSEP records from several parts of the sensory nervous system. Conditions that result in sensory disturbances such as “buzzing or tingling” can often be diagnosed with this test. EMG/NCS The Electromyogram and Nerve Conduction Study (EMG/NCS) is used to diagnose nerve and muscle disorders in patients with symptoms such as numbness and tingling of extremities, burning of the feet, pain and weakness of extremities. Performed by a board-certified physician in electroneurodiagnostic medicine, the electromyogram requires the insertion of a small needle that records muscle responses. Performed by a registered electroneurodiagnostic technologist, Nerve Conduction Velocity involves giving a patient small electrical stimuli similar to the “static on a carpet” experience. Electromyography and Nerve Conduction are useful in the diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders. These include:
IOM Intraoperative Monitoring (IOM) uses any and all of the above techniques within the operating room. These studies provide “real-time” information to the surgeon who needs to ensure the nervous system and brain remain unaffected by surgical procedures. Because operations are performed under anesthesia, the patient experiences no discomfort from the studies. Intraoperative monitoring reduces the risk of paralysis or permanent sensory loss following surgical procedures involving the spinal cord or brain. During surgery on arteries in the neck, EEG monitoring provides the surgeon with information about brain function during surgery.  Top of Page |
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In keeping with the three-fold ministry of Christ - preaching, teaching and healing - Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation will be the leader in providing quality health care. |