Neurodiagnostic Tests and Procedures

Neurodiagnostic Testing

We offer a variety of neurodiagnostic tests to diagnose brain and spinal cord conditions, as well as test the function in peripheral nerves and muscles. Some of these include:

• Electroencephalogram (EEG) - This test monitors brain waves. We perform these tests in the hospital at bedside. If a child requires sedation in an outpatient setting, we can also perform an EEG in our Day Hospital.
  
• Long-Term EEG Monitoring -In the hospital patients are monitored continuously for at least 24 hours with a video monitor to track any seizure activity or to rule out an epilepsy diagnosis. 
  
• Auditory Response Tests -This test sends sounds through a headset and records brain wave patterns in order to measures brain activity in response to the sounds.
  
• Trans-Cranial Doppler -This is an ultrasound that shows blood flow in the brain. It can the measure the velocity of blood within cerebral arteries to see if arteries are spasming. These studies can be performed serially up to 21 days. 
  

Neuroimaging

Neuroimaging uses medical imaging to assess the structure and function of the brain and nervous system. Some of the studies we offer include: 

• Brain mapping
  
• fMRI
  
• Intraoperative MRI
  
• MR Spectroscopy
  
• Lumbar puncture
  
• PET/SPECT   
  

We offer a virtual reality tool to help distract children and reduce the need for sedation during their imaging test. Our Child Life Specialists use this along with other methods to help children cope better with procedures. If necessary, we also offer sedation for certain imaging procedures in our Day Hospital.