OUR SERVICES

Neurophysiology

At Caribbean Neurology Services, we provide Neurophysiology Services which aim to assist Neurologists and Physicians in making a diagnosis. These tests are performed across all ages.

types of

Electroencephalograms (EEGs):

OUR SERVICES

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

This is a test where we look at the brain waves. It is useful in the following conditions:

Seizures;
Episodes of loss of consciousness (syncope);
Changes in personality/behavior or certain psychiatric conditions;
Evaluation of certain types of movements;
Evaluation of some headaches;
Assessment in some types of dementia/cognitive loss.

Preparation

How To Prepare For Your Ambulatory EEG Test:

In the case of the ambulatory-overnight EEG recordings, please arrive 10-15mins before your appointment for initiating the EEG placement/administration;
You will be required to complete the data sheet and consent form;
On completion, the devices will be given to you to take home. Ensure to get a work-sheet/event recording sheet to log in abnormal episodes and time of day;
The actual process if quite similar to the above;
Ensure to coordinate with the technician for the times to return for the removal of the device.

Preparation

How To Prepare For Your EEG Test:

You should wash your hair the night before your test, taking care to avoid using any conditioner, gels, sprays, or oils. You should also avoid consuming anything with caffeine for at least eight hours before your test, as it can affect your results. You can continue taking medication unless specified by your requesting physician;
Arrive 20 minutes prior to test and check in with the reception, please ensure to walk with your referral letter;
You will be asked to fill in a data sheet with a list of all medications being taken by the patient as well as any relevant information;
After this, you will be asked to sit down while the metal electrodes are applied which uses a simple tap bandage and electrode paste;
The test takes between 60-90minutes to complete. During this time activation procedures are done which include deep breathing exercise(hyperventilation) and then looking at a flashing strobe light(photic stimulation);
After the test, you may go home and within 48 hours kindly call the Customer Service Department at Medical Associates-St. Joseph Hospital for your report. Please note, your report will not be forwarded to anyone;
A sleep deprived EEG is a bit longer and the entire test may take up to 2 hours. We strongly encourage patients coming for the test to not drive on the day of the test and if possible have someone accompany you for the visit;
Please note that routine EEG and sleep deprived EEG’s are video recorded and your results will include a written report as well as a CD with the waveforms and video recordings.

NOTE: We encourage patients to stay awake, the entire night before the procedure and to not sleep prior to the test. At a very minimum, patients must be awake fully for at least 4 hours prior to the test.

CHOICES

Different Types Of EEGs:

In most instances, your Physician would prescribe a routine EEG. However a sleep deprived EEG gives more information than a routine EEG as tiredness may change the brain waves giving us more information and some patients have seizures (events) in sleep.

In some instances your referring Physician may opt to request a sleep deprived EEG as the first line investigation.

In routine EEG’s and sleep deprived EEG’s, the total recording time varies from 20-40mins. There’s a high probability that abnormal waveforms may be missed on these recordings. Additionally, the triggers for your events may not be reproducible at the institution where the test is being performed or you may not have slept long enough on the recording to pick up the data. This is where an overnight, home based, roughly 24 hour recording is useful. It increases the detection rate.

At the moment this service is only offered in patients aged 14 years and older for the ambulatory home EEG. We provide our ambulatory EEG’s in partnership with Nyota-Tano diagnostics:

VIDEO

EEG testing & monitoring

information

Nerve Conduction Studies/Electromyography

This is a useful test whenever evaluating the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The major components of the PNS are nerves and muscles. Many patients present with weakness with may be progressive, fluctuating or long term. After a clinical examination, the referring Physician may want added information on whether your problem is originating from the nerves or muscles and if so, which ones.

The test starts with a brief clinical review where we take a history and brief targeted examination to assess the limbs required for the study. After this, we then proceed to the Nerve Conduction Study (NCS). This is where electricity is pulsed through a stimulator device at points in your hands or legs and recorded via electrodes. In some instances, we may need to deliver multiple shocks/pulses known as Repetitive Nerve Stimulation (RNS).

The next part of the test is the Electromyogram (EMG). This consists of a needle electrode inserted into the muscle. You will be asked to initially relax the muscle while we record and then contract the muscle at varying strengths for further information. Most tests require multiple needle sticks across multiple muscles for accurate recordings.

Preparation

How To Prepare For Your Electromyography Test:

Please send in your referral via WhatsApp or Email prior to the test;
Please arrive 10-20minutes prior to your appointment;
You can have a normal meal and take your regular medications on the day/morning of the test. In certain instances, your Physician would ask you to stop medications 12-24 hours before such as Pyridostigmine in the case of Myasthenia Gravis;
Please have a shower and wear clean clothes at least 2 hours before the test;
Ensure loose fitting clothing is worn and in some instances depending on the type of study, we may provide a gown;
The test usually last between 20mins to 1 hour depending on the nature of the study;
At the end of the test, you can leave and should be well enough to drive depending on your medical condition;
Within 24 hours you will get your results via WhatsApp/Email or if you want a print copy.