Visual Evoked Potential Testing(VEP):  This test is used to help in diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis, Optical Neuritis, or any suspicion of dysfunction to the visual pathways.  The patient sits in a chair and the Technologist applies  disc electrodes to several places on the scalp.  An eye pad is applied to one eye and the patient watches a checker boardpattern for a period of time. Once enough information is recorded, then the other eye is tested.

Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential Testing (BAEP):  This test is used to diagnose Multiple Sclerosis, reasons for vertigo or dizziness, or any suspicion to dysfunction of the auditory pathways.  The Technologist applies  disc electrodes to several places on the scalp.  Then a set of ear phones are applied and a brief hearing test is administered.  While testing, the patient will hear clicking in one ear, and a fuzzy noise in the other ear.  Once enough information is gathered, the other ear is tested.

Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEP):  This test is used to diagnose dysfunction of nerves that run through the arms and legs.  Its determines  if a patient has a radiculopathy, which is damage to nerves at the spinal cord level.  Depending on where the symptoms are on the patient, Dr. Emery will order an SSEP for the arms, legs, or both.  Disc electrodes are applied to different areas on the back, neck, shoulder, and legs.  A very small electrical stimulus which feels like a tingling is applied to the wrist or ankle and the information is displayed on a computer.  Once enough information is gathered, the other side is tested.

Electromyogram(EMG):  This test determines if a patient has nerve damage at or away from the spinal cord.  Depending on the area of interest, the Doctor will order an EMG of the arms or legs.  There is two parts to an EMG, the Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV), which determines the speed and function of the nerve, and the Electromyogram(EMG), which determines if the muscles as they interact with the nerve are functioning correctly and for dysfunction of the preganglionic area of the spine. They are both characterized under the name EMG.  The patient is stimulated with a small voltage of electricity which feels like a tingling sensation in various nerves requested by Dr. Emery.  This part is done by the Technologist.  Then Dr. Emery performs the EMG part which consists of him taking a small needle electrode and placing it in several muscles to determine their function.

Repetitive Nerve Stimulation Testing(RNS): This test is done on patients with possible neuromuscular transmission disorders, the most common being Myasthenia Gravis. Symptoms include proximal muscle weakness.  The patient is sat in a chair, and a small stimulus of electricity which feels like a tingling is administered to a nerve repetitively.  Then the patient is requested to exercise the area being tested for about 15-20 seconds, and the test is repeated in about 1.5 minutes post- exercise, and again at about 4 minutes post-exercise.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please email pkesselman@eneuro.med.pro or call (954) 771 8300.