EEG (Electroencephalography) is a non-invasive medical test that records electrical activity in the brain. It involves placing electrodes on the scalp to detect and amplify signals generated by neurons. EEG is used to diagnose conditions such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, and brain injuries, providing valuable insights into brain function and abnormalities through analysis of recorded brainwave patterns.
EMG (Electromyography) is a diagnostic technique used to assess the electrical activity of muscles. It involves inserting small needles (electrodes) into muscles to record their electrical signals both at rest and during contraction. EMG helps diagnose and evaluate conditions affecting muscles and nerves, such as muscle disorders, nerve injuries, and disorders like carpal tunnel syndrome. This information aids in determining the extent and location of muscle and nerve dysfunction, guiding treatment decisions and rehabilitation strategies.
NCV (Nerve Conduction Velocity) is a diagnostic test that measures how quickly electrical impulses move through a nerve. It is commonly used to assess nerve damage and diagnose conditions affecting the peripheral nervous system, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathies, and nerve injuries. During the test, electrodes are placed on the skin to stimulate the nerve with a mild electrical impulse and record the resulting electrical activity. By measuring the speed and strength of these nerve signals, NCV helps healthcare providers evaluate nerve function, pinpoint the location and extent of nerve damage, and plan appropriate treatment.
BERA (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) is a diagnostic test used to assess the function of the auditory nerve and brainstem pathways in response to sound stimuli. During the test, electrodes are placed on the scalp to record the brain's electrical responses to clicks or tones presented through headphones. BERA is commonly used to diagnose hearing impairments, auditory nerve disorders, and neurological conditions affecting the brainstem, such as tumors or multiple sclerosis. By analyzing the latency and amplitude of the recorded responses, healthcare providers can evaluate the integrity and speed of auditory information processing from the ear to the brainstem.
VEP (Visual Evoked Potential) is a diagnostic test used to assess the function of the visual pathway from the eyes to the brain's occipital cortex, where visual information is processed. It measures the electrical activity generated in response to visual stimuli presented to the eyes. During the test, electrodes are placed on the scalp to record the brain's electrical responses when the patient views patterns or flashes of light. VEP is particularly helpful in diagnosing conditions affecting the optic nerve and visual pathways, such as optic neuritis, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological disorders that can impact vision. By analyzing the latency and amplitude of the recorded responses, healthcare providers can evaluate the integrity and speed of visual information transmission along the visual pathway.
Repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) test is fundamentally an electrophysiologic study for the differential diagnosis of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) disorders.
