Avon Neurodiagnostics : Further Information

Further Information

What does an EEG involve?

An EEG is a simple painless test which records the electrical activity of the brain from the scalp, taking 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete. Our qualified experienced Clinical Physiologists will place small metal disc electrodes with water soluble conductive paste on your head before recording your brain’s activity on our state of the art equipment.

There is no special preparation for the test, but clean hair free from mousse or gels is ideal, and you may eat and drink as normal and should take your usual prescribed medication (if any). You will be asked to lie on a couch and to close and open your eyes during the test. You may also be asked to perform deep breathing and to be shown a flashing strobe light with your consent.

The EEG record requires specialist interpretation by one of our team of Consultant Clinical Neurophysiologists, and your doctor will have a report within 24 hours of the test. However, a report will also be sent to you if you specifically request it.

Further information and an independent Freephone Helpline (on 0808 800 5050) is available through the British Epilepsy Association website.

What does a Nerve Conduction and EMG test involve?

Nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) tests assess the function of nerves and muscles. These tests take 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete and are performed by our Consultant Clinical Neurophysiologists.

These are performed by recording the tiny electrical signals produced when the nerves are stimulated or a muscle contracted. The test is at times uncomfortable and a minority of patients find it painful, but there are no significant side effects and your wishes will be respected.

You will be asked to lie on a couch and for NCS small recording and stimulating electrodes will be placed on specific areas of your arms and legs. A modest pulsating current is passed through the stimulating electrodes, which causes tingling and twitching of your fingers and toes. A series of these pulses are given and the responses stored in the computer unit.

For EMG a fine needle is placed into the muscle being examined, which records the activity of the muscle at rest and when contracted voluntarily. There is no special preparation required, but please do not apply skin cream or body lotion on the day of your test.

The NCS/EMG test requires specialist interpretation by one of our team of Consultant Clinical Neurophysiologists and your doctor will have a report within 24 hours of the test. However, a report will also be sent to you if you specifically request it.