Neurophysiology
At CHRISTUS Health, our neurophysiology services are critical in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles.
Our team of experienced neurophysiologists, neurologists, and specialized technicians utilize advanced technology and diagnostic tools to deliver precise evaluations and personalized care for patients of all ages.
What is Neurophysiology?
Neurophysiology is the study of how the nervous system functions, encompassing diagnosing and treating disorders related to the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system.
Through various tests and procedures, neurophysiologists analyze the electrical activity of nerves and muscles to understand how they communicate, helping to detect abnormalities that may cause conditions such as seizures, nerve disorders, or muscle diseases.
Comprehensive Diagnostic Services
Our Neurophysiology department at CHRISTUS Health offers a wide range of diagnostic tests to assess the nervous system's electrical activity. These tests include:
- Electroencephalogram (EEG): A test that measures electrical activity in the brain, often used to diagnose conditions like epilepsy, sleep disorders, and brain injuries.
- Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS): EMG measures muscle response to nerve stimulation, while NCS evaluates the health of peripheral nerves. These tests help diagnose muscle disorders, nerve damage, and conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and neuropathies.
- Evoked Potentials (EP): These tests assess the electrical activity in response to stimuli such as visual, auditory, or sensory inputs, helping diagnose multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders.
- Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM): Used during surgeries involving the nervous system, IONM helps prevent nerve damage and optimize surgical outcomes by continuously monitoring neural function.
Conditions We Treat
Our neurophysiology team collaborates with neurologists, neurosurgeons, and other specialists to diagnose and treat a wide range of neurological conditions, including:
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Muscular dystrophy and other muscle diseases
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders
- Brain injuries and concussions
- Nerve entrapments like carpal tunnel syndrome
- Spinal cord injuries and disorders
If you have been experiencing symptoms such as:
The nervous system is incredibly complex, and problems within it can manifest in various ways. If you experience any of the following symptoms, a neurophysiological evaluation at CHRISTUS Health may help pinpoint the cause and guide your treatment:
General Brain and Nerve Function:
- Changes in Consciousness: Fainting, confusion, seizures, or episodes where you feel "spaced out" or unresponsive.
- Cognitive Difficulties: Problems with memory, concentration, thinking clearly, finding the right words, or understanding language.
- Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, unusual sleep behaviors, or feeling unrested even after a full night's sleep.
- Headaches: New or worsening headaches, especially those accompanied by other neurological symptoms.
- Dizziness and Vertigo: Feeling lightheaded, unsteady, or like the room spinning.
Movement and Coordination:
- Weakness: Loss of strength in your muscles, which can be sudden or gradual.
- Paralysis: Inability to move a part of your body.
- Tremors: Involuntary shaking or trembling.
- Muscle Stiffness or Spasms: Feeling of tightness or involuntary muscle contractions.
- Coordination Problems: Difficulty with balance, walking, or fine motor skills (like buttoning clothes or writing).
Sensory Changes:
- Numbness or Tingling: Loss of sensation or a "pins and needles" feeling.
- Pain: Nerve pain can be sharp, shooting, burning, or aching.
- Changes in Vision: Double vision, blurred vision, loss of vision, or visual disturbances.
- Hearing Problems: Ringing in the ears (tinnitus), hearing loss, or difficulty understanding speech.
- Changes in Smell or Taste: Reduced or distorted sense of smell or taste.
Patient-Centered Care
At CHRISTUS Health, we understand the complex nature of neurological conditions and the importance of personalized care.
Our neurophysiologists work closely with each patient to ensure a thorough evaluation, clear communication, and a treatment plan tailored to their needs.
From diagnosis to treatment, we are committed to delivering the highest level of care, focusing on improving quality of life and optimizing neurological function.