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Neurodiagnostic Services
The Neurodiagnostics department at
Flagstaff Medical Center provides electroencephalogram (EEG), nerve
conduction velocity and electromyogram (NCV/EMG), evoked potential (EP)
testing and intraoperative (IOM) monitoring. Our staff is committed to
providing quality care for the patient and the family. The department is
open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to
4 p.m. and is on call 24-hours a day,
seven days a week.
Specialized tests:
Electroencephalogram (EEG) records the electrical activity of the brain
in patients of all ages. An EEG can help diagnose or rule out medical
conditions such as seizure disorders, strokes, tumors and brain injury.
During an EEG, various procedures may be used to activate certain brain
waves.
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Hyperventilation — If the patient’s
medical condition permits, he or she may be asked to breathe rapidly and
deeply for a few minutes. This may cause mild dizziness or tingling,
which is a normal response.
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Sleep-deprivation — A patient is
asked that he or she get no more than three hours of sleep or less the
night before the EEG.
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Photic Stimulation — A flashing light
is placed in front of the eyes of the patient causing the patient to see
various colors and patterns.
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Nasopharyngeal EEG — This particular
EEG uses two NP leads that are placed directly at the base of the brain
through the nostrils and sinuses. This test detects temporal lobe
abnormalities that can cause seizures.
A young patient who may not be able
to remain still for the duration of the procedure may be sedated to
ensure test accuracy.
Nerve conduction velocity and
electromyogram (NCV/EMG) is a two-part test used to diagnose
neuromuscular conditions by means of electrodes and needle electrodes.
These studies are used to diagnose:
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Lou Gehrig’s disease
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Guillian-Barre syndrome
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Carpal tunnel syndrome.
Evoked potential (EP) testing
measures the brain’s response to signals sent by the nerves.
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BAER: Brainstem Auditory Evoked
Response — This test checks the pathways from the ear to the brain. The
BAEP test may help uncover the cause of balance problems.
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VER: Visual Evoked Response — VER
checks the pathway from the eyes to the brain. This test may help find
the cause of certain vision problems.
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SSER: Somatosensory Evoked Response —
SSEP checks the pathway from the nerves in the limbs to the brain. The
SSEP test is a way to study the function of these nerves, the spinal
cord and the brain.
Intraoperative (IOM) monitoring is
used as an aid during surgery to safeguard the nervous system. The
premise of IOM is that changes in neuro-electric activity occur prior to
permanent anatomic injury, which allows the surgeon time to initiate
intervention strategies. This monitoring system is used on patients
with:
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Severe scoliosis
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Degenerative disc disease
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Previously fused discs
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Ruptured or herniated discs
Professional care
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Board-certified neurologist/electroencephalographers
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Registered electroneurodiagnostic
technologists
Communications
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Reports are generated within 24 hours
for emergency cases only.
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Reports are called in when conditions
require special attention.
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CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information about FMC’s
Neurodiagnostics department, call 928 779-3366, ext. 13150.
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Northern Arizona Healthcare - 1200 N. Beaver St., Flagstaff, Ariz.
86001 - 928 779-3366
Flagstaff Medical Center - 1200 N. Beaver St., Flagstaff, Ariz.
86001 - 928 779-3366
Verde Valley Medical Center - 269 S. Candy Lane, Cottonwood, Ariz. 86326 - 928
639-6000
VVMC - Sedona Campus - 3700 W. Highway 89A, Sedona, Ariz., 86336 - 928 204-3000
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