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Most testing will be conducted at  Tift
Regional Medical Center. TRMC houses a Neurodiagnostics lab with
the latest in technological advances. The center also has a special
on-site sleep center for patients requiring an overnight stay. For
more information, link to: www.tiftregional.com
and click on Neurodiagnostics Center of Excellence icon.
Test shows:
normal and abnormal brain waves and is used to determine in if brain
is functioning/transmitting normally.
What to expect: small electrodes will be placed with a "toothpaste
like" material on your scalp; you will lie quietly for 20 minutes
to two hours, depending upon types of testing. Various stimulates
such as a flashing light, deep breathing or sound may be presented
to patient to track reaction of brain waves.
Preparation for test: specific instructions will be given
by referring physician regarding eating or sleeping prior to tests;
however all patients need to avoid caffeine and dress in loose comfortable
clothing, appropriate for lying down for an extended period of time.
There are two additional types of EEG testing in addition to the
basic evaluation: (1) Intensive monitoring: continuous EEG monitoring
as described above in an inpatient setting, generally used in conjunction
with a video camera. (2) Ambulatory monitoring: continuous EEG monitoring
as an outpatient; a portable recording device is worn by the patient
for the duration of the testing, usually several days.
Test shows:
photographs showing layer by layer images of soft body tissue such
as the brain, in minute detail. Contrasting dye is sometimes used
during the procedure to detect abnormalities.
What to expect: an MRI machine can be a more "closed"
tube or have the appearance of being more flat and "open"
on the sides. Patients generally wear a hospital gown, lie down
and must remove all metal objects from their bodies. The test takes approximately one hour in duration; at times dependent
upon the patients ability to remain motionless while images are
being taken. Some patients may be given a mild sedative.
Preparation for test: Many patients find it helpful to go
to the bathroom prior to testing as they will need to lie still
for the duration of the test. Any other specific instructions regarding
eating and/or drinking prior to testing will be given by your physician.
Test shows:
layer by layer images of the inside of the body, both soft tissue
and bone. This test experience differs only slightly from the MRI,
but from the physicians viewpoint provides different diagnostic
information.
What to expect: patients will lie down, generally in a hospital
down while the CT scanner takes pictures of the designated area
of the body. The actual test will last from 20 minutes to about
an hour depending upon the type of images needed and the patient’s
ability to remain motionless. Some patients may be given a mild
sedative.
Preparation for test: Many patients find it helpful to go
to the bathroom prior to testing as they will need to lie still
for the duration of the test. Any other specific instructions regarding
eating and/or drinking prior to testing will be given by your physician.
Test Shows:
through video monitoring, electrode attachments to the scalp with
paste-like cream and soft straps attached to the chest/stomach area,
multiple body functions during sleep are monitored; the results
can help determine the severity of sleep apnea, the speed of falling
asleep to determine the degree of daytime sleepiness and other sleep
disorders.
What to Expect: patients will spend a minimum of 7 hours
in the sleep center for adequate results to be obtained. There will
be a video camera on while the patient is in the center as well
the electronic measuring devices as described above. Patients will
be in a safe, private room and bathroom – similar to a standard
bedroom – while in the center.
Preparation for Test: Sleep study patients often bring their
own pajamas/sleep clothes as well as other familiar sleeping items
from home such as a pillow.
Test Shows:
level of response or non-response of various parts of the body by
stimulating the nerves in certain body areas, followed by evaluation
of the muscle.
What to Expect: patients lie in a hospital bed in the neurodiagnostics
center during the test. Electrodes are attached with a pasty cream
on arms, hands and/or feet depending upon the condition being evaluated;
because the nerves are stimulated through mild electrical shock
some discomfort can expected during this test. A thin, small disposable
needle is gently inserted into specific muscles or muscle groups
for the evaluation. The actual test is generally 30 - 45 minutes
in duration.
Preparation for Test: patients should wear loose, comfortable
clothing to allow for electrode attachment; use the bathroom prior
to testing. Patients should not use any creams, gels or lotions
on their arms or legs the day of the test.
Tests shows:
responses of the sensory elements such as auditory pathways to evaluate
hearing levels or optic pathway to determine the cause of some visual
impairments.
What to expect: patients may be scheduled for one of the
following three evoked potential tests: (1) Visual Evoked Potential
– three electrodes are placed on scalp with a paste-like cream
and a patch is places over on eye at a time. The patient stares
at a flashing checker board on a television screen. (2) Brainstorm
Auditory Evoked Potential (BAEP) – four electrodes are places
on the scalp with paste. Headphones are then placed over the ears
and the patient hears clicking sounds during the test. (3) Somatosensory
Evoked Potential (SSEP) – electrodes are attached with paste
to various parts of the legs, back, neck and scalp. Stimulation
to the patient is given in the form of small continuous electrical
shock; however, there is no discomfort with this test.
Preparation for Test: patients should wear loose, comfortable
clothing as they will be lying in a bed or sitting for the duration
of the test. Patients should not use any creams, gels or lotions
on their arms or legs the day of the test.
Purpose:
To help control violent seizures through a device implanted in the
neck.
What to expect: VNS is an outpatient, surgical procedure
performed in the Tift Regional Medical Center operating room. General
anesthesia is used during the 45 minute procedure. The stimulator
is activated during an office visit following surgery.
Preparation for Procedure: general pre-surgical preparations
include no food or drink after midnight prior to surgery. The physician
will give specific pre-op instructions to each patient.
Purpose:
depending upon the medical condition, this procedure may treat chronic
neck and back pain, migraine & headache disorders or various
spasticity conditions.
What to expect: a small, thin needle containing BOTOX is
injected into the affected areas. Many times, multiple injections
during one session are needed; patients can expect some discomfort.
Preparation for Procedure: in the majority of cases, no special
preparation is needed prior to injections. For more information
go to www.botox.com or call (800)44BOTOX.
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