Your Health Matters | winter 2004


 
 

Every Picture Tells a Story in Southcoast’s Neurodiagnostics Lab

 
 
The problems can be far ranging: from dizziness or passing out to seizures or stroke. When doctors believe a patient is suffering from a disorder linked to the central nervous system, they may order a test called an electroencephalogram – commonly known as an EEG.

EEGs are important tools that help doctors diagnose many types of neurological conditions. Painless and non-invasive, EEGs are one of many sophisticated tests used to monitor the brain and nervous system known as neurodiagnostics.

Southcoast Health System offers some of the most advanced neurodiagnostic technology available. The digital neurodiagnostics lab is as sophisticated as those found in large teaching hospitals — but is more convenient because it’s close to home.

“All our technicians receive extensive training in the new technology so they can perform the most accurate and meaningful tests,” said Nancy Correia, a Registered EEG Technician and EEG Team Leader at Southcoast.

At Southcoast, technicians perform an average of 1,800 to 2,000 EEGs a year. “When you perform these tests every day as we do, you’re highly experienced,” said Monique Robinson, an EEG Technician and Evoked Potential (EP) Specialist. “And that’s good news for our patients because they’re the ones who benefit most from that knowledge and experience.”

In addition to EEGs, neurodiagnostic tests at Southcoast include:

  • Evoked Potentials, which can help diagnose such conditions as spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis.
  • Intraoperative Monitoring, to help surgeons monitor brain and nerve function during certain types of surgery.
  • Long-Term Epilepsy Monitoring, which is used to assess the frequency and duration of epileptic seizures.

“Southcoast is committed to staying on the leading edge of neurodiagnostic technology,” Correia said. “It’s invaluable in diagnostics and is a key to helping put people on the right treatment path.”




The editorial content of this online publication is taken from the print version of Your Health Matters published by Southcoast Hospitals Group.

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