Neurophysiology & Nerve Conduction Studies

Neurophysiology is a discipline within the health sciences that deals with the measurement and assessment of nervous system function, rather than the anatomy of the nervous system. This field helps to diagnose and monitor the progress of nervous disorders.

Image Credit: Romanova Natali / Shutterstock.com

What is clinical neurophysiology?

Clinical neurophysiology is a branch of neurophysiology that is hospital-based and involves the measuring of neurological parameters in a research setting, at the patient’s bedside, in intensive care units, or in a dedicated hospital laboratory.

Clinical neurophysiologists test and record the function of the brain, spinal cord, spinal nerve roots, peripheral nerves, of which include both sensory and motor nerves, as well as muscles, to help diagnose various disorders of the nervous system. These health professionals may use computerized imaging, as well as magnetic, electrical, or electronic ways to record nervous activity, nerve impulse conduction, and coordination with the muscular response.

Some conditions in which clinical neurophysiology is used include epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and motor neuron diseases.

Tests used in neurophysiology

Diagnostic evaluations that are used for neurophysiology assessments include electroencephalograms (EEGs), evoked potentials (EPs), nerve conduction studies (NCS), and electromyography (EMG).

EEG

The EEG is a record of brain function. Electrodes are attached to the scalp in various areas that correspond to the lobes of the brain to pick up the electrical potentials from the cortex of the brain. This is of particular use in patients suffering from epilepsy.

EPs

EPs occur in response to a visual stimulus. The clinical use of EPs can be found in neurological disorders such as optic neuritis or multiple sclerosis.

NCS

In many neurological conditions, it is necessary to test the way the peripheral nervous system (PNS) functions by measuring the speed of passage of the nerve impulses through the motor and sensory nerves. NCS are achieved by recording the effect of applying a small electrical current to the nerves of interest.

One type of NCS includes the nerve conduction velocity test, which helps to determine if the nerve has been damaged or destroyed. During this test, surface patch electrodes are attached to the skin. Whereas one electrode supplies stimulation to the nerve, the other records the resulting nerve impulse. The speed of conduction is calculated using by assessing the distance between the electrodes and recording the time gap between the stimulation and arrival of the resultant electrical impulse at the other electrode. Each nerve is tested separately.

Electromyography

Electromyography is a test that involces the insertion of slender electrodes into the voluntary muscles to diagnose conditions such as motor neuron disease and radiculopathy. Moreover, this test measures the electrical activity present within the muscle fibers and provides information on whether the muscles or nerves are damaged, and if so, to what extent and at what location.

Additional tests

Some of the more specialized tests that can be performed for a neurophysiology assessment include:

  1. Ambulatory EEG for long-term monitoring
  2. Video telemetry
  3. Sleep studies
  4. Monitoring patients during neurosurgical procedures, such as scoliosis surgery, where the spinal cord integrity has to be mapped throughout
  5. Tests of visual neuron functioning

Neurophysiologists may develop a greater interest in specific areas such as epilepsy and its origin as well as corrective surgery, Parkinson’s disease and sub-thalamic nuclear ablation, and mapping the cortex in various disorders.

The responsibilities of a neurophysiologist include supervising and supporting technicians in the wards, operation theaters, and departmental laboratories. They must report EEGs and interpret EMGs to diagnose various neuromuscular conditions.

References

Further Reading

Last Updated: Mar 11, 2023

Dr. Liji Thomas

Written by

Dr. Liji Thomas

Dr. Liji Thomas is an OB-GYN, who graduated from the Government Medical College, University of Calicut, Kerala, in 2001. Liji practiced as a full-time consultant in obstetrics/gynecology in a private hospital for a few years following her graduation. She has counseled hundreds of patients facing issues from pregnancy-related problems and infertility, and has been in charge of over 2,000 deliveries, striving always to achieve a normal delivery rather than operative.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Thomas, Liji. (2023, March 11). Neurophysiology & Nerve Conduction Studies. News-Medical. Retrieved on December 22, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/health/Neurophysiology-Nerve-Conduction-Studies.aspx.

  • MLA

    Thomas, Liji. "Neurophysiology & Nerve Conduction Studies". News-Medical. 22 December 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/health/Neurophysiology-Nerve-Conduction-Studies.aspx>.

  • Chicago

    Thomas, Liji. "Neurophysiology & Nerve Conduction Studies". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Neurophysiology-Nerve-Conduction-Studies.aspx. (accessed December 22, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Thomas, Liji. 2023. Neurophysiology & Nerve Conduction Studies. News-Medical, viewed 22 December 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/health/Neurophysiology-Nerve-Conduction-Studies.aspx.

Comments

  1. Peter Kreutzfeldt Peter Kreutzfeldt United States says:

    Having done all of the above and now I'm wondering what can be done if anything.

  2. got nerve got nerve United States says:

    EMG and NCV are barbaric and torturous tests for anyone with chronic pain.  What value are they when MRI visualizes the injury and provides less invasive data?  The resulting treatment outcomes will be the same so why not skip the painful test?  I cannot endure another EMG ever.  It was horrid.

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.