Neurophysiology
Wellstar neurophysiologists evaluate the electrical function of the brain and nervous system. These specialists help diagnose neurological conditions that cause numbness, tingling, nerve pain, muscle weakness and seizures.
Expert Neurophysiological Diagnosis & Care
Neurophysiologists are neurologists with additional training and expertise in how the nervous system functions, especially around electrical activity. At Wellstar, these board-certified specialists support the neurology team in diagnosing conditions like epilepsy, peripheral neuropathy, radiculopathy (pinched nerve in the neck or low back), myasthenia gravis, ALS and muscular dystrophy among others. They typically run tests on patients experiencing symptoms such as numbness, tingling, nerve pain, muscle weakness and seizures.
Every person with seizure disorders and other neurologic conditions responds to treatment differently, making it a challenge to pinpoint the right treatment for each individual. Advanced evaluation can help doctors get specific details. This information helps them work in partnership with you to create a personalized treatment plan. The goal is for you to have the most accurate diagnosis—and the best possible outcomes.
Recognized care
Wellstar neurophysiology testing labs are certified by the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) and are supervised by neurologists who are board-certified in clinical neurophysiology by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. These prestigious certifications ensure that we adhere to the highest standards of care for patients and provide expert care to each patient we evaluate.What to Expect
Specialized tests help diagnose disorders, including:- Disorders of the central nervous system—the brain and spinal cord
- Peripheral nervous system—nerve projections running from the brain and spinal cord to the extremities
- Muscle disorders
Conditions We Treat
- Peripheral nerve disorders
- Polyneuropathy
- Radiculopathy
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Ulnar neuropathy
- Brachial plexopathy
- Muscle disorders
- Myopathy
- Myositis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Myasthenia gravis
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Seizure disorders
Tests We Offer
- Nerve conduction studies (NCSs)
- Electromyography (EMG) and single fiber electromyography (sfEMG)
- Electroencephalography (EEG)
- Skin punch biopsy evaluations for peripheral neuropathy
Highly Specialized Testing for Epilepsy & Seizure Disorders
Wellstar has an inpatient epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) so you can have advanced testing closer to home. They are located at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center and Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center.In the EMU, our specialized neurophysiology team works with you to gather information for the diagnosis or the management of your seizure disorder. The results help your care team create the most personalized plan so you can manage your seizures in the best possible way.
Before entering the EMU, you will typically start with an outpatient consultation with a Wellstar neurologist. You and your doctor will discuss what to expect, whether you need to stop taking any medications before the test, how to prepare and answer any questions you may have.
Once in the EMU, you’ll have electrodes on your scalp. You will be recorded on video and by computer-based monitoring technology. We will gather data and evaluate a seizure before it starts, while it occurs and during your recovery. This can last a few hours or a few days depending on a variety of factors, including how long your seizures last and what your tests reveal.
Our neurophysiology testing labs are certified by AANEM to ensure that we adhere to the highest standards of care for patients.