https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/wards-and-departments/departments/clinical-specialties/neurophysiology-information-parents-and-visitors/procedures-we-offer/
Procedures offered by the Neurophysiology department
Neurophysiology is a branch of physiology, the study of how the body works. It is concerned with the brain and nervous system.
A variety of methods are used to measure how the brain and nervous system are working. The results of these tests are then used to make diagnoses and plan treatment.
We carry out a wide range of neurophysiological investigations in the department (for out-patients), including:
- routine video-electroencephalograms (EEGs)
- sleep video-electroencephalograms (EEGs)
- home video telemetry (prolonged video-EEGs carried out at home)*
- evoked potentials (visual, auditory, and somatosensory)
- nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG)
*We are now able to offer this as an alternative to an inpatient stay in selected cases. Please discuss with your clinicians.
Additional in-patient tests available:
- video telemetry (prolonged video-EEGs carried out on Koala ward)
- stereo-EEG (SEEG) (also known as invasive monitoring)
- intra-operative monitoring for spinal and neurosurgery
- laryngeal EMGs (via GOSH ENT department only)
Many of these tests are recorded to help the doctors compare a child’s brainwaves with their movements and behaviour at the time.
In some cases, having a video recording to look at alongside the electrical activity in the brain is the only possible way of analysing your child's brainwaves.