Electroneurodiagnostic Services
The Electroneurodiagnostic Department at Banner Desert Medical Center offers testing for neurological disorders. We provide diagnostic testing for patients of all ages with a written physician’s order.
Test Performed
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
An EEG records electrical activity of the brain through electrodes that are placed on the scalp. The appointment time is approximately 90 minutes.
EEGs help diagnose a number of neurological disorders, including seizure disorders or suspected seizure activity, stroke, dementia, syncope, developmental delays, and head trauma.
Instructions:
- The patient should be tired upon arrival for the appointment, so that he/she will be able to fall asleep during part of the test.
- Hair should be clean and dry without any hair products, such as hairspray or gel.
- Avoid caffeine 24 hours before the appointment.
Ambulatory EEG
An ambulatory EEG records brain activity for 27-72 hours, as requested by a physician. Electrodes are attached to the patient’s scalp and a recording device is worn while the patient in involved in everyday activities. (Certain activities may be limited.) The initial appointment time is 90 minutes and the follow up appointment to remove the electrodes is approximately 30 minutes.
Instructions:
- Hair should be clean and dry without any hair products, such as hairspray or gel.
- Wear a button-down shirt that will allow you to change clothes easily. You will not be allowed to shower or bathe while connected to the recorder.
- Patients may bring a scarf or loose fitting baseball cap to wear home if desired.
Evoked Potential
Evoked potential tests record electrical activity from the brain, spinal nerves or sensory receptors through electrodes placed on the scalp or other parts of the body. There are different types of evoked potential testing:
- Visual Evoked Potential
- Brain Stem Auditory Evoked Potential
- Upper Extremity Somatosensory Evoked Potential
- Lower Extremity Somatosensory Evoked Potential
Evoked potential tests may be ordered if you are experiencing symptoms such as visual difficulties, vertigo, balance issues, stumbling, tingling or numbness in your arms or legs, or if you have had an abnormal MRI.
Instructions:
- Hair should be clean and dry without any hair products, such as hairspray or gel.
- If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you if you are having a visual evoked potential test.
- Do not apply lotion on your arms or legs if you are having an upper or lower extremity somatosensory test.
Contact
For more information about electroneurodiagnostic testing, please contact our department at (480) 412-3623.
