MEDICAL

The Neurological examination is designed to test the structure and function of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles. In addition to the general physical examination, neurologists examine physical modalities, such as tests of vision, strength, coordination balance and reflexes to assess the functioning of the differing areas of the nervous system.

Many objective neurological tests are performed on site as medically indicated. Commonly performed objective, device-assisted tests at Southeastern Neuroscience Institute include:

ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY (EEG):

This standard study records the electrical activity of the brain from scalp electrodes attached to the scalp with gel. A comparison of the side to side brain activity is made which is evaluated for age, clinical condition, etc. It takes approximately one hour to perform this test. On some occasions, "sleep deprivation" will be necessary. This means the person undergoing the EEG will need to stay awake all night prior to the test. This test is often used for seizures and headache evaluation.

BRAIN STEM AUDITORY EVOKED RESPONSE (BAER):

This is a study in which the "inner ear" nerve mechanisms are checked. This is done by having a person listen to a series of clicks through earphones. A recording of the scalp is made in a similar method to the EEG, using an analysis of the brain's electrical activity in response to the sound. Sophisticated computer averaging is used to visualize the brains response to sound. This test is done to evaluate dizziness.

VISUAL EVOKED RESPONSE (VER):

This test is designed to assess for visual loss by recording the acitivity of the optic nerve as a person looks at a changing array of checkerboard patterns on a television screen.

SOMATOSENSORY EVOKED RESPONSE:

This test is accomplished by electrically stimulating the nerves of the wrist, ankles, toes or other areas of the body. A recording is made the time it takes for information to travel from peripheral nerves to the brain.

NERVE CONDUCTION STUDY:

This study examines the transmisson of impulses up and down a nerve (sensory and motor). Late responses are transmissions of nerve messages into the spinal cord (F wave and H reflex) and their "richocet" back out to the muscles. The test occasionally is uncomfortable because of the electrical stimulation needed, but this test yields valuable information as to the integrity of the nerves. These late responses, H reflexes and F times, give much information about the spinal root entry zones.

ELECTROMYOGRAPHY:

This muscle study requires a "pin electrode" be inserted into various muscle groups of the body to test the muscles' resting and activated electical activity. In certain "neuropathies" ("damaged nerves"), groups of muscles may be affected. Muscle disease may produce a diffuse change in all of the muscles tested. Nerve root pressure may also give diagnostic EMG patterns.

CHIROPRACTIC/PHYSICAL THERAPY:

Our chiropractic/physical therapy services include treatment for both acute and chronic pain of musculoskeletal disorders such as neck, back, shoulder, headaches, knee pain, hand, wrist and elbow pain. Our treatment can be done with various physical therapy modalities such as electical stimulation, massage, manipulation and exercise. A specialty offered by Dr. Deborah Fralicker involves needle and non-needle acupuncture utilizing a low level infrared laser therapy for various pain disorders. Her services are part of the Institute's pain management program.

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