Jargon buster
EEG (electroencephalogram)
A special test that shows brain activity as cells send messages (electrical signals) to each other. The EEG test involves the attachment of electrodes (flat metal discs) to either side of the scalp which record brain waves sending them to the EEG machine where can be shown on a monitor. Find out more about this test at the Brain and Spine Foundation.
View the full jargon busterNeurosciences
Clinical Neurophysiology
Contact: (0191) 256 3221 - Mrs Faye Butler, Directorate Manager, Neurosciences
Our neurophysiology team is a highly specialist regional service providing electrical studies of the central nervous system and peripheral nerves and muscles.
You can be referred here by your hospital consultant, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, paediatricians (who specialise in looking after children), orthopaedic surgeons and rheumatologists.
Advanced specialist investigative techniques
In the neurophysiology department we carry out a variety of different tests, depending on the symptoms being assessed, to help diagnose your condition and determine the best path of treatment. These specialist investigative techniques include the following:
- Electroencephalography (EEG) - this measures the electrical activity of the brain and helps our neurophysiologists identify any abnormal patterns that might help in the diagnosis and treatment of your condition. This investigation is painless and takes about an hour to perform.
- Videotelemetry EEG - this is a more prolonged recording during which EEG and video recording are carried out simultaneously, to capture the symptoms you have described and experienced. Recordings can last from several hours to up to 5 days, depending on how often they are done.
- Ambulatory EEG - this is a portable EEG recording lasting between 24 and 48 hours which allows you to carry on with your everyday activities whilst the test aims to capture typical symptoms.
- Evoked potentials (EP) - this measures the time it takes for a nerve impulse generated by a specific stimulus, such as light, sound or touch, to reach the brain. The test typically takes about one and half hours.
- Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) - this measures the health of the nerves in the body, by measuring the speed of a signal from one nerve point to another. It typically takes between 30 minutes and an hour.
- Electromyography (EMG) - this assesses the health of both the muscles and nerves and is almost always carried out together with an NCS. Dr Fawcett, one of our Consultant Neurophysiologists, is one of only a handful of experts in the UK who can carry out the highly specialized “single fibre” EMG investigation.
- Carpal Tunnel Study (CTS) - this is a special test involving the upper limbs to look at problems affecting the area around the wrist. It typically takes about 45 minutes.
HEADS North
In addition, our technical staff run HEADS North, a charity which raises funds for equipment and literature to help in the diagnosis and understanding of epilepsy.
Contact us
If you would like to find out more information about this service please contact:
Mrs F Butler
Directorate Manager
Neurosciences
Telephone: (0191) 256 3221
