Neurological Testing

In our Neurodiagnostics department various testing procedures such as the ENG, EMG, EEG and NCV (Nerve Condition Velocity) are utilized to check every muscle, nerve, and brain-stem electrical pathways for any sign of abnormality.

Electronystagmography Detailed information on electronystagmography (ENG), including the reasons and preparation for the procedure, how the procedure is performed, after care, and an anatomical illustration of the ear.

Electromyography Detailed information on electromyography (EMG), including the reasons and preparation for the procedure, how the procedure is performed, and after care.

Electroencephalogram Detailed information on electroencephalogram (EEG), including the reasons and preparation for the procedure, how the procedure is performed, and after care.

Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) Detailed information on nerve conduction velocity (NCV), including the reasons and preparation for the procedure, how the procedure is performed, after care, and an anatomical illustration of the nervous system and nerve conduction velocity procedure.

Specific Procedures Include:

• Videonystagmography (VNG) or Electronystagmography (ENG) is a test of balance function. Recordings are made of potential patterns of eye movement that may yield diagnostic information regarding the balance system. Goggles housing sophisticated cameras are placed over the patient's eyes or eye. Recordings are obtained as he or she looks in different directions, follows moving objects or assumes different body positions/postures.
• Nerve conduction studies (NSC) and Electromyography (EMG) are tests that measure muscle and nerve functions. In most cases, both tests are performed. NCS is often done first. During NCS, mild electrical currents are applied to the skin to see how quickly impulses travel between nerves. EMG will assess muscle function. To do this, a fine needle is placed under the skin and into the muscle being tested. The needle allows the electrical activity in the muscles to be measured; however, no electrical currents are applied with the needle. During each test, wavy lines (waveforms) appear on a screen or paper to indicate how well nerves and muscles are working.
• Electroencephalography (EEG) is a test that measures brain-wave activity (brain function). A physician may order this test to check for brain seizures or other brain-related problems. For this test, small metal disks (electrodes) are attached to the scalp with glue, water-based gel or paste. During the test, waveforms appear on a screen or paper that will later be studied to assess brain function.
• Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) test is a measurement of the speed of conduction of an electrical impulse through a nerve. NCV can determine nerve damage and destruction.