Neurophysiology is a field of neuroscience that measures and assesses how your nervous system is working. A patient could be sent to the Blackrock Health Neurophysiology team for several reasons. They may be showing signs of conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease or brain tumours. They may have symptoms of stroke, head injuries or trauma - such as dizziness or balance problems. Other relevant medical symptoms could include memory loss or changes to their mental state.
Neurophysiology is helpful when diagnosing medical issues of the brain or nervous system. This is because it helps to measure and monitor the recording of electrical activity from within our nervous system.
There can also be less serious reasons you might be referred for a neurophysiology test. If a patient experiences issues such as tingling, numbness or weakness in their hands, this may be due to peripheral nerve problems. Other relevant symptoms could include reduced coordination and grip strength. These may show an underlying nerve condition such as carpal tunnel syndrome, or medial nerve entrapment.
Neurophysiology at Blackrock Health
Blackrock Health is renowned for excellent neurological care, particularly at the Hermitage Clinic which also has the largest private neurosurgical unit in the country. Our team of experts includes neurologists, neurosurgeons, neurophysiologists, clinical nurse specialists, radiologists, and radiographers. Working together, we can evaluate your condition and explore your treatment options. We treat a wide range of conditions of the nervous system, from chronic headaches to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Motor Neuron disease. We offer fast access to critical diagnostic tests which provide the information needed to plan your treatment. These include MRI, CT, and PET/CT scans, as well as physical and neuropsychological exams to identify the cause of your symptoms.
Dealing with the symptoms or diagnosis of a neurological condition can be very challenging and we're here to help.
Our neurophysiology team
Our team includes:
Clinical neurophysiologist
Consultant neurophysiologist
Physiologist in Neurophysiology (Neuro Physiologist)
Who we treat
Our neurophysiology team uses a variety of tests and equipment to help diagnose and treat many complex conditions. This includes:
Autonomic disorders (damage to the nervous system)
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Confusion
Multiple sclerosis (a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord)
Muscle disease
Nerve compression syndrome
Neuromuscular junction disorders
Pinched nerves
Polyneuropathy (damage to peripheral nerves)
Seizures
Trigeminal disorders (chronic pain condition in the face)
Services
We offer a range of tests to check your neurophysiological health. These include:
Blink responses
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Electromyographies (EMG)
Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) (to test carpal tunnel syndrome)
Repetitive stimulation (to test for neuromuscular junction disorders)
Telemetry studies
Electroencephalogram
An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a diagnostic test that records electrical activity in the brain.
The test takes approximately 1 hour and is performed by the neuro physiologist. During the test electrodes, connected to your scalp by paste, will record the electrical activity of your brain. You do not need to have your hair cut for this procedure. You will be asked to remain still and relaxed so that the recording is clear. You will experience no pain or discomfort and the physiologist will instruct you throughout.
After the test, the consultant neurophysiologist will review the recording and issue a report to the referring doctor.
We also offer a “Sleep Deprived EEG”. This is similar to the above test, varying only in that you would attend having remained awake for a prescribed period the previous night.
Nerve Conduction Studies and Electromyography
These are a set of tests often used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, one of the most common nerve disorders.
It is an outpatient test performed in the Clinical Neurophysiology department. It is performed by the neuro physiologist and takes between 20 and 90 minutes.
Initially, the nerve is stimulated with a mild electrical current generated by a small electrode placed on the skin. The impulse travels in the nerve through the tunnel to the hand where it is measured. This is the NCS.
Secondly, the activity of the muscle is measured to assess the degree of abnormal function. This is done by the insertion of a small needle into the muscles of the hand. The electrical activity is then measured with the muscle - both at rest and on contraction. This is the EMG.
The results are reviewed by your neurophysiology consultant. They will then report their findings back to your referring doctor.
What to expect from a Neurophysiology test
All tests are conducted in our Neurophysiology suite. When you arrive, a member of our team will greet you and discuss your test with you in full.
Depending on the type of test you have, your neurophysiologist may place electrodes where you have symptoms.
For some tests, a small needle will be placed under your skin to measure how your muscles or nerves react to small impulses.
Most tests will take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
What can patients expect after a visit to our neurophysiology teams?
After a visit with a Blackrock Health neurophysiology team, patients can expect a consultant’s report to be sent to the doctor who referred you for tests. This medical report will outline the findings of any diagnostic tests you have undergone while at the hospital. Reports may include results from imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs - and other information relevant to neurological health. The medical report may also contain specific recommendations. This could include follow-up visits, therapies, or medications needed to help manage your condition. Our neurophysiology teams strive to provide individualised care for all patients. This ensures that you receive appropriate treatments and the best possible outcome.
FAQ's about neurophysiology
At Blackrock Health Private Hospitals in Dublin and Galway, we understand that a visit to our neurophysiology facility can be a stressful experience, filled with uncertainty for you and your loved ones.
To help ease your concerns and provide clear information, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions specific to our neurophysiology services. Our goal is to care for our patients and to make your visit as smooth and reassuring as possible, ensuring you receive the support you require, both promptly and efficiently.
What is an electroencephalogram (EEG)?
An EEG is a non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp. It helps diagnose and monitor conditions such as epilepsy, brain tumors, sleep disorders, and encephalopathies by detecting abnormal patterns of brain waves.
What is an electromyogram (EMG)?
An EMG is a test that evaluates the electrical activity of muscles and the nerve cells controlling them. It helps diagnose conditions such as muscle disorders, nerve injuries, peripheral neuropathies, and motor neuron diseases by assessing muscle response to nerve stimulation.
What are nerve conduction studies (NCS)?
Nerve conduction studies are tests that measure the speed and strength of electrical signals traveling along nerves. They help diagnose conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathies, and nerve injuries by assessing nerve function and identifying abnormalities in conduction.
What are evoked potentials?
Evoked potentials are tests that measure the electrical activity of the brain or spinal cord in response to sensory stimuli (such as visual, auditory, or sensory stimuli). They help diagnose conditions such as multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis, and spinal cord injuries by assessing the integrity of nerve pathways.
Are neurophysiology tests painful or invasive?
Neurophysiology tests are generally non-invasive and painless, although some patients may experience mild discomfort during certain procedures, such as needle insertion during EMG testing.
What should I expect during a neurophysiology test?
During a neurophysiology test, electrodes or sensors are placed on the skin or scalp, and the patient may be asked to perform specific tasks or undergo stimulation to assess nerve and muscle function.
Accessing our services
You can access Blackrock Health neurology services easily with a referral from your GP and can then expect world-class clinical care and comfort. Over 75% of our hospital rooms are single occupancy, which can help you make a quicker recovery in a safe environment. We aim to provide you with the best possible outcome, and to restore your quality of life.
How do I get this?
You will need a referral letter from your GP or consultant before you make an appointment. Please see our Request Appointment Form here.
Is this insured?
Not all services are covered by health insurance. To find out if you're covered, please check your health insurance before your visit. You can do this on our health insurance Cover Check page here, or by contacting your health insurer.
How do I pay?
If you do not have health insurance or your health plan does not cover the full cost, you will need to pay the balance due before your treatment or procedure. You may be able to claim back some fees on your insurance. To pay an excess not covered by your insurance or any other inpatient fees, please visit our payment page here. If you have any queries about paying for your care, please contact the finance team in your hospital.
