Neurodiagnostic Center
Know more about your nerve and brain health
At our neurodiagnostic center locations in the Philadelphia suburbs, we perform several noninvasive, diagnostic tests of the brain and nervous system. These tests reveal valuable information about your health that our expert doctors use to diagnose a wide variety of conditions.
Electroencephalograms unlock clues to neurological conditions
One of the most common tests performed at our neurodiagnostic centers is the electroencephalography (EEG). During this test, dozens of tiny metal disks connected to a computer record your brain waves. Changes in your brain waves can help doctors diagnose neurological problems related to epilepsy, stroke, brain injury and more. It can also discover the causes behind fainting or dizziness.
For your EEG, you may come during the day or stay overnight at one of our neurodiagnostic centers. A typical EEG takes two to three hours for the entire procedure. You may also be video recorded during your EEG so your doctor can identify other symptoms that could lead to a diagnosis. Your doctor may also suggest that you wear the electrodes while you go about your normal day (an ambulatory EEG).
Advanced diagnostic tests reveal nerve problems
Main Line Health neurologists use a variety of other tests besides EEG to uncover nerve and brain disorders.
Our neurodiagnostic laboratories feature state-of-the-art digital equipment that allows us to share information with referring physicians and other specialists at Main Line Health hospitals.
These tests may include:
Nerve conduction studies
These tests help doctors discover if you have any nerve damage. An electrica pulse is sent through your nerve and then recorded when it gets to the other side. If the pulse moves more slowly than it should, that may indicate your nerve has been damaged.
Electromyography (EMG)
This tests how well your motor neurons (nerves that control your muscles) work. Doctors can use these test results to diagnose nerve or muscle problems.
Evoked potentials
These are tests used to measure how quickly and completely nerve signals travel to the brain. Examples of evoked potentials include brain stem auditory (BAER or BAEP), visual EPs (VER), and somatosensory EPs (SSEP or SER).