Electroencephalogram (EEG)
An electroencephalogram (EEG), or brain wave test, is a recording of the electrical activity that the brain produces and can tell the neurologist how the patient’s brain is physically functioning.   EEGs cannot detect what a patient is thinking or feeling or how intelligent they are. EEGs are the most commonly performed of the neurodiagnostic tests. An EEG is a painless procedure using electrodes placed on the patient’s scalp while the patient lies comfortably on a bed. The test is used to help evaluate and diagnose conditions such as headaches, passing out, seizure disorders, strokes or brain injury.

Electromyogram (EMG)
An electromyogram (EMG) is a test used to assess the health and function of the muscles and the nerves controlling the muscles. Physicians often use this test to diagnose neuromuscular conditions such as Lou Gehrig’s disease or Guillian-Barre syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, radiculopathies and neuropathies. An EMG is a two-part exam. The first part, the Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) study, is performed by a trained and skilled technologist. Specific nerves of the limbs are stimulated by a surface stimulator and the nerve responses are recorded with surface electrodes. The second part, the muscle study or EMG, is performed by a specially trained physician. During this part of test the doctor gently inserts a very small, thin needle electrode into the top part of specific muscles. The needle electrode is attached to an amplifier, and the physician uses it to listen to the different sounds that muscle fibers make when they electrically discharge. The doctor then can interpret those sounds to make a diagnosis.  

Evoked Potential Testing (EP)
This test measures the brain’s response to signals sent by the nerves. For example, a Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test checks the pathways from the ear to the brain. The neurological application of this test can help to evaluate the cause of dizziness or balance problems. Another type of EP test, called a Visual Evoked Response (VER), evaluates the optic nerve pathway from the eyes to the brain. This test can help in determining the cause of some sudden and unusual vision changes.

Intra-Operative Monitoring (IOM)
Intra-Operative Monitoring is the monitoring of neurological systems during special surgeries.  Currently the only IOM conducted by Liberty Neurodiagnostic Services is an EEG, or electroencephalographic recording, during carotid artery surgery. This is performed on a physician-request-only basis.