Neurophysiology

The Neurophysiology Department is a diagnostic unit. Underlying all its activity is the measurement of electrical signals generated by muscle, nerve or brain. In addition to diagnostic value, serial testing may offer a parameter of the patient’s progress and may enable evaluation of responses to therapy.


Our Team

Dr Gayatri Jain
Director of Neurophysiology Department
Tel: (03) 9231 4149
Email:  eeg@svha.org.au 

Linda Seiderer
Chief Neurophysiology Scientist
Tel: (03) 9231 4149
Email:  linda.seiderer@svha.org.au


Neurologists

Dr Gayatri Jain

A/Prof Wendyl D’Souza

Prof Ross Carne

Dr Karmen Wai

Dr Val Tay 

Dr Graeme Gonzales

Prof Chris Plummer

A/Prof Steven Collins

A/Prof Peter Gates

Scientists Administration Assistant

Natasha Willems Joanne Zahra

Yenny Lay email:  eeg@svha.org.au

 

 

Tests Performed

EEG:

Small surface electrodes are placed on the scalp to record the electrical activity of the brain.

Routine EEG:  

The routine EEG recording takes 30 minutes during which time the patient lies quietly on a bed with eyes closed.  (Patient will be here for about 60 minutes)  Video will be recorded in conjunction with the EEG for the purpose of clinical correlation.

Day Video EEG:  

EEG recording off minimum of 3 hours up to 6 hours.  Video will be recorded in conjunction with the EEG for the purpose of clinical correlation

Ambulatory EEG: 

Mobile EEG recording device.  Recording continuously for 24 or 48 hours.   Patient is sent home with the device.

Inpatient Video EEG monitoring:  

Patient is admitted to hospital (private or public) for 5-7 days.  Video EEG monitoring is continuous (24 hours a day) for the whole period of your stay.  At the same time as the EEG is recording we will be taking a video of you for comparison.

 

NCS/EMG (large fibre):

The following tests could be done in combination of each other or on its own: 

Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS):  

 This test the function of the nerves (peripheral nerves) of the body.  Neurologist will use stimulator to give the patient small electrical stimulations (like static electricity) along the path of the nerves.  

EMG:  

The EMG is a study of the muscles and can be performed, if required, with the nerve conduction study or on its own.  The neurologist will insert a very small recording needle into the muscle and listens to the activity.  

Single Fibre EMG:  

The SFEMG is a study on muscles.  The neurologist will insert a very small recording needle into the muscle and listens to the activity.  
 

QSART/CSP (small fibre) or Autonomic Function:

These test the function of the small nerve fibers of the body.

QSART:   

Capsule Electrodes are placed on one arm and leg to collect sweat.  Small current stimulates the capsule to produce sweat.  

Cutaneous Silent Period (CSP):  

Electrodes are placed on the limbs that are being tested (arms and legs) and then the scientist or doctor will use a stimulator to give the patient small electrical stimulations (like static electricity) along the path of the nerves. As these stimulations occur in a sequence some patients may find this portion of the test uncomfortable.  

Tilt Table Test:  

The tilt table test is performed by having the patient lie flat on a special motorised tilt bed.  The patient is connected to a blood pressure monitor and ECG electrodes are applied to the chest to evaluate blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) changes during the test.  An IV line is inserted.

Evoked Potentials

Evoked potential testing involves placing small surface electrodes on the scalp to record the electrical activity of the brain, while responding to stimuli. The stimuli used are dependent upon the test being performed.  (VEP; BERA; SSEP ) 

VEP:  A visual evoked potential test involves looking at a monitor changing checkerboard pattern.   
BERA:  An auditory brainstem evoked potential test involves listening to a series clicking sounds and white noise.  
SSEP:  A somatosensory evoked potential test (median/tibial) involves a small electrical impulse (like static electricity) being given along a designated limb (arm or leg).

Referral Information

Referral Forms and Guidelines

Neurophysiology Referral Form (DOCX 38.4KB)

 

 



Contact Us

Tel: (03) 9231 4149

Fax: (03) 9231 4780

Email: eeg@svhm.org.au

 

Located: Building A  Main Hospital

Level 2 -Neurophysiology

 


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