Scope of Service
Neuro-Electro-Diagnostic Laboratories and Epilepsy Center are performing the following services:
Electromyography (EMG) test, in which a small needle is inserted into a muscle to record its electrical activity, is employed to evaluate suspected neuromuscular disorders and to provide an objective measure of pathophysiological changes. The nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test is usually associated with the EMG test. EMG tests are widely used for diagnosis of peripheral neuropathies associated with muscular dystrophies, diabetes, diseases of the autonomic nervous system, etc.
Evoked potentials (EP) tests investigate the integrity of neural
pathways carrying electrical signals from the sensory organs to the brain
and are used in the diagnosis of disorders of the nervous system to locate
the site of nerve damage. Evoked Potentials Laboratory performs three following
major EP tests: brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP), visual evoked
potentials (VEP), and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) of upper (SUEP)
and lower (SLEP) extremities.
Video-EEG monitoring is the prolonged monitoring of EEG activity combined with simultaneous video recording of clinical behavior under conditions that can approximate normal daily activities of the patient. It helps in management of neurological patients, aiding in the differential diagnosis of types of "attacks"(physical or psychological in origin); seizure types; neurological and behavioral disorders in children and adults; evaluation of sleep disorders including sleep apnea, which may lead to sudden death syndrome.
Intraoperative Monitoring of EEG, EMG and EPs during the surgery provides objective information about anesthetized patient. It gives the surgeon immediate feedback of signs of impending risk. The intra-operative monitoring of peripheral nerves, spinal cord, brainstem, optic nerves and cerebral cortex helps to identify new neurological impairment and allows prompt correction of the cause. It helps the surgeon during the course of the operation to feel comfortable with a greater degree of surgical intervention than he/she would in the absence of monitoring. It also provides prompt identification of new systemic impairment such as anoxia or hypotension.
Scheduling/Referral procedure
Inpatient: EEG orders written on the Neurology Electroencephalogram request form (#UH-6523, available on the nursing unit) are sent to the Neuro-Electro-Diagnostic Laboratories by fax, delivered to the UH G-118, or called in. Requests received in the morning are usually scheduled in the afternoon. Request received in the afternoon are usually scheduled for the next working day.
Evoked Potentials orders written on the request form (#UH-5982, available on the nursing unit) are sent to the Neuro-Electro-Diagnostic Laboratories by fax, delivered to the UH G-118, or called in. Requests received in the morning are usually scheduled in the afternoon. Request received in the afternoon are usually scheduled for the next working day.
EMG orders written on the request form (#UH-2608, available on the nursing unit) are sent to the Neuro-Electro-Diagnostic Laboratories by fax, delivered to the UH G-118, or called in.
Video-EEG orders written on the chart should be approved by physician epileptologist and are called in.
TCD orders written on the chart are called in.
Intraoperative monitoring orders are called in.
Outpatient: EEG orders written on the Electroencephalogram request form (#UH-6523, available through general stores) are sent to the Neuro-Electro-Diagnostic Laboratories by fax, delivered to the UH G-118, or called in. The request form should include: patient name, phone number and/or address, diagnosis, prescribed pharmaceuticals, referring physician’s name and phone number and/or address. Patients are generally scheduled within one-week time from referral. Please indicate on the referral if scheduling is required immediately.
Evoked Potentials orders written on the request form (#UH-5982, available through general stores) are sent to the Neuro-Electro-Diagnostic Laboratories by fax, delivered to the UH G-118, or called in. The request form should include: patient name, phone number and/or address, diagnosis, prescribed pharmaceuticals, referring physician’s name and phone number and/or address. Patients are generally scheduled within one-week time from referral. Please indicate on the referral if scheduling is required immediately.
EMG orders written on the request form (#UH-2608, available through general stores) are sent to the Neuro-Electro-Diagnostic Laboratories by fax, delivered to the UH G-118, or called in. The request form should include: patient name, phone number and/or address, diagnosis, prescribed pharmaceuticals, referring physician’s name and phone number and/or address. Patients are generally scheduled within one-week time from referral. Please indicate on the referral if scheduling is required immediately.
Video-EEG orders are called in.
TCD orders are called in.
Intraoperative monitoring orders are called in.
Patients referred for neurodiagnostic tests should receive following information:
Electroencephalography (EEG)
Intra-Operative Monitoring
Only a surgeon may request intraoperative monitoring.
Result Reporting
Inpatient: Test reports signed by a physician are send to Medical Records within week after a test is performed. Oral report of test results is available on the same day, if necessary.
Outpatient: Copies of test reports, signed by a physician, are faxed or mailed to the referring physician within week after a test is performed. The original reports are sent to Medical Records.