Neurophysiology

Some of the common concerns for seeing a neurophysiologist are:

• Migraines
• Dizziness
• Seizures
• Vision difficulties
• Memory problems
• Tingling or numbness
• Mobility problems

In the UK there are millions of people living with a neurological disorder and the symptoms. It’s important to get diagnosed so you can receive the right treatment. The neurophysiology departments at our hospitals offer treatment for a wide range of neurological conditions and disorders including:

• Epilepsy
• Carpal tunnel
• Space occupying lesions
• Vascular disease
• Encephalitis
• Atrophy
• Metabolic disorders
• Acoustic neuromas
• Spinal injuries

The type of neurophysiological treatment you will receive will depend on your symptoms. Your consultant will assess your condition and give you their specialist opinion. If further diagnostic tests or treatment are required, these will be explained fully during your consultation.

We offer a comprehensive range of diagnostic techniques for the investigation of central and peripheral nervous system disorders.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

The EEG is an aid to the diagnosis and classification of epilepsy, detecting abnormal electrical disturbances which may arise from a number of conditions such as space occupying lesions, vascular disease, encephalitis, atrophy and metabolic disorders.

Ambulatory EEG Monitoring

An ambulatory EEG monitor provides continuous monitoring, and allows the patient to go home whilst being monitored. You can be monitored for a maximum of 72 hours at home however, it may be necessary for you to return to the hospital during this period to ensure the electrodes are well connected and to replace the monitor batteries if required.

Sleep Deprived EEG

A Consultant Physician may request an EEG after a night of sleep deprivation depending on the clinical history of the patient. This type of EEG would normally be requested if the routine EEG has not provided any clear diagnostic features.

Visual Evoked Potentials (VEPs)

One of the major uses of VEP is the diagnosis of demyelination, which can cause a marked increase in the latency of the pattern VEP. As the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is dependent on evidence of multiple sites of demyelination, pattern VEPs can be used in conjunction with auditory and somatosensory evoked potential studies.

Auditory Evoked Potential (Brain Stem Evoked Potential BSEP)

Less commonly used since the advent of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the BSEP is an indicator of the functional integrity of the auditory pathway and can be used to investigate retro cochlear auditory pathway disorders, such as acoustic neuromas. It is commonly used in conjunction with other evoked potential studies in order to aid the diagnosis of demyelination.

Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEPs)

SSEPs are often requested in conjunction with VEPs and BSEPs, again to provide evidence of demyeliation. They are also used to aid the diagnosis of cord compression and for the assessment of spinal injuries.

Nerve Conduction Studies

Nerve conduction studies are used in the diagnosis of nerve entrapments (such as carpal tunnel syndrome) and peripheral and diabetic neuropathies. They can also provide valuable prognostic information following trauma to the nerve.

Electromyography (EMG)

An EMG, where clinically appropriate, is usually performed alongside a nerve conduction study. Muscle activity is recorded using a small concentric needle. Characteristic abnormalities may be found with neuropathic disorders.

Neurophysiological services at our hospitals offers you fast, direct and convenient appointments with a consultant neurologist. Your consultant may be able to reassure you that what you are experiencing is nothing to be concerned about or they can discuss treatment options that could relieve your symptoms so you can return to enjoying your life.

Together, you and your Consultant can decide the best route for you and develop a bespoke treatment package to achieve optimum results. If you would like speak to a specialist, please call us directly or book your appointment online. 

When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:

• Flexible appointment times and locations to fit your routine
• The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant are best for you
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
• Multidisciplinary teams led by consultants who can easily refer you to other onsite specialists
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to learn more about the treatments our specialists can offer, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.