 |
Neurologists treat disoders of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles.
Some common symptoms of neurologic disorders are:
» Head ache
» Speech &swallowing disorders
» Fits
» walking or balancing difficulty
» Dizziness
» Visual disturbances
» Loss of conciousness
» Tingling or numbness
» Weekness & paralusis
» Bladder control
» Sleep disturbances
The department of Neurology is one of the finest in the country. Manned by
half a dozen highly qualified full-time senior consultants, and backed by a
state of the art clinical neurophysiology lab (EMG, NCV, EEG, Evoked
Potentials), neuroradiology including computed tomography (CT), magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI), digital subtraction angiography (DSA), extracranial
and intracranial vascular Doppler, single photon emmission computed
tomography (SPECT) and interventional neuroradiology, along with Asia's
largest sleep lab (polysomnography) and excellent neuropathological backup,
the department is equipped to manage any neurological disorder. World class
critical care units(CCU) are geared to deal rapidly with 'brain attack' and
other neurological emergencies round the clock. A physiotherapy and
rehabilitation department offers exceptional neurorehabilitation to help
stricken patients overcome their disabilities.
Clinical Neurophysiologic Services (Electrodiagnosis)
» Electromyography (NCV/EMG)
» Evoked potentials (EP)
» Electroencephalography (EEG)
» Sleep studies (polysomnography)
Electrodiagnostic studies can be helpful in evaluating weakness, numbness,
pain and symptoms such as fatigue, cramps and abnormal sensation.
Electrodiagnostic evaluation is an extension of the neurologist's physical
examination and is performed by our clinical neuropysiologist who is a
neurologist with special training in clinical neurophysiology. The time
required to complete the study generally takes approximately 60 to 120
minutes. The two main procedures used to study nerves and muscles are needle
electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity studies (NCV).
EMG
During an EMG, the neurologist analyses the electric activity in muscles by
inserting a fine needle electrode into selected muscles. Needle insertion
may cause mild temporary discomfort. The needle is not used for injection
and no shocks are given. The physician can determine whether the muscle is
working normally by seeing the electric activity on a screen and listening
over a loudspeaker. The needles are discarded after use or sterilised to
prevent the transmission of AIDS, hepatitis and other infections.
NCV
To perform nerve conduction studies, the physician tapes small metal
electrodes on the skin and applies a brief electric stimulus to one portion
of a nerve. Nerve stimulation will cause a tingling sensation. The physician
can then evaluate the electric response of the nerve or muscle to which the
nerve is attached and determine if the nerve impulse is a) conducted
normally, b) at a slow speed or c) not transmitted at all, suggesting damage
to the nerve.
Evoked Potentials
Electrodiagnosis may also include a number of other tests, such as evoked
potentials. These studies use different stimuli, such as auditory clicks, a
changing visual pattern such as a checkerboard, or small electric stimuli
applied to specific nerves. The recordings are made over the surface of the
head and the spine to evaluate whether the sensory impulses are conducting
normally through the nerves, spinal cord or brain.
Special Precautions
The patient does not need to do anything special to prepare for this test,
except to keep the skin free of any lotions or emollients on the day of the
examination. Be sure to inform the physician, however, if you are taking
blood-thinning medication such as Coumadin, have hemophilia or a cardiac
pacemaker. Patients with myasthenia gravis should ask their physician
whether or not to take anticholinesterase medications on the day of the
test.
Patient Questions
This document is not a substitute for an informed discussion between a
patient and his or her physician about the examination. If you have
questions, they will be answered at the time of your examination. Copyright
1995 by the American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine. All rights
reserved.
EEG
EEG is the single most important laboratory test in the evaluation of
patients with seizures and related disorders. It is a painless procedure,
during which the brain's electrical activity detected by electrodes pasted
to the scalp is amplified and recorded. The test lasts for approximately one
hour. Patients are advised to keep their hair free of any oil and grease and
not to be fasting before the test. They should also continue taking any
medicines prescribed to them. At Apollo Hospitals, advanced computerised
Digital EEGs offer off-line data analysis for greater diagnostic yield.
|
|
 |