 Neurological
Consultation: |
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Our physicians see patients with all types of neurological
disorders. Consultations, evaluations and treatment are provided by
our board certified/board eligible staff. |
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| Sleep
Medicine Evaluations |
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Consultation, diagnosis and treatment for all sleep
related disorders can be provided. Dr. Eickholt has over 15 years
of sleep medicine experience and is board certified in Sleep Medicine
and Neurology. Diagnoses may include Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Hypersomnolence,
Insomnia, Narcolepsy and other causes of sleepiness. |
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| Electromyography
(EMG) |
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EMG testing is used to evaluate problems in the peripheral
nervous system. Testing may include the face, neck, back, arms or
legs. This test takes approximately 15-45 minutes and has two distinct
parts: |
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--- Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) measures the function
for specific nerves in the arms or legs by use of small electrical
stimuli applied to the skin. The test is valuable in the evaluation
of localized numbness, weakness or entrapment syndromes. |
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--- Electromyographpy (EMG) tests involve the study of the electrical
activity of muscles. This is accomplished with a fine sterile wire
electrode which is placed under the skin. This test evaluates nerve
and muscle function electrically and is useful in understanding a
number of nerve and muscle disorders. |
| Electroencephalography
(EEG) |
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EEG is a painless, non-invasive procedure that is one
of the best tests of CNS function. The test involves applying metal
discs to the scalp with a conductive cream and recording the brain's
electrical activity on a digital computer. EEGs are used to evaluate
seizure disorders, strokes, head trauma and degenerative disorders
such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. This test takes approximately
one hour. |
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| Ambulatory
EEG |
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Provides a long-term recording that also includes simultaneous
EKG monitoring. The study to not require hospitalization so the patient
can carry on his/her usual daily activities. Ambulatory EEGs have
allowed for much greater accuracy and sensitivity in the diagnosis
and management of patients with "spells". It is useful for
patients with a normal routine EEG, patients experiencing episodic
events and characterization of seizure type for enhanced diagnosis
and treatment. The recording of this test can be performed for 24,
48 or 72 hours. It takes approximately 45 minutes to apply the electrodes
and allows for patient instruction. |
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| Videonystagmography
(VNG) or Electronystagmography (ENG) |
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Testing involves the recording of eye movements following
stimulation of the nervious system. VNG provides a higher degree
of sensitivitiy than traditional ENG. This exam provides information
about abnormalities within the vestibular system and is useful in
diagnosing patients with symptoms of veritgo. It takes approximately
1 hour for testing. |
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--- Saccade exams test rapid side to side movements |
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--- Pursuit testing measures ability to follow moving targets |
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--- Caloric tests involve the introduction of air into the ear
canal and recording the resulting eye movements. |
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| Evoked
Potential Testing (EP) |
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EP exams involve procedures that evaluate the visual,
auditory or the central nervous system. |
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--- Visual Evoked Potential (VEP) exams test the visual
system. Patients look at reversing checkerboard patterns on a TV screen
while brain waves are recorded. This exam is useful in evaluation
of patients with Optic Neuritis, Multiple Sclerosis or vision problems
associated with brain injury. Testing time is approximately 30 minutes. |
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--- Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential (BAER) exams
test the brain functions involving hearing and balance. Brain waves
are evaluated while the patient listens to clicks through the use
of headphones. This exam is useful in evaluating patients with dizziness,
Acoustic Neuroma, and Multiple Sclerosis. This test takes approximately
30 minutes. |
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--- Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SEP) exams test
the sensory patterns by electrical stimulation at the wrist or ankles.
This exam can be a valuable tool in the evaluation of spinal cord
and brain abnormalities. There are two forms of the test: |
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::: Median Somatosensory Evoked Potential (MSSEP) exams test the
pathway from the nerves in the arms to the brain. An electrical pulse
is applied to the wrist to produce a slight twitching of the thumb.
This test takes about 1 hour. |
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::: Posterior Tibial Somatosensory Evoked Potential (TSSEP) exams
test the pathway from nerves in the legs to the brain. An electrical
pulse is applied to the ankle to produce a slight twitching of the
toes. This test takes about 1 hour. |
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