Examinations
- Neuropsychological test
- Ultrasound
- Electroencephalography (EEG)
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Sensory Evoked Potential (SEP)
- Motor-Evoked Potential (MEP)
Neuropsychological test
The neuropsychological test assesses the cognitive, emotional and behavioural changes resulting from brain damage or a brain disorder. The examination is carried out by a neuropsychologist at the request of the doctor.
The examination consists of:
- A talk (with you and your family/confidential counsellor) to chart complaints and day-to-day functioning.
- Tests and questionnaires
The following cognitive functions can be assessed:
- Attention and executive functions (planning, reasoning ability)
- Memory
- Language
- Observation
- Spatial thinking
This makes it possible to objectivise the cognitive complaints and draw up a profile of cognitive strengths and weaknesses.
Depending on the questions asked, additional recommendations can be made on how best to deal with any impairments.
Altogether, this examination usually takes between one and two hours. The results of the neuropsychological test are laid down in a detailed written report. The results are discussed together with the neurologist treating you.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a technique using sound waves that move through the body. It can be used to check painlessly whether there is any narrowing of the blood vessels. Gel is applied to the body and a sort of camera is placed on the skin, making it possible to view the internal structures. If a patient has suffered a stroke, an ultrasound of the blood vessels in the neck is often carried out. This makes it possible to assess whether there is any narrowing of these vessels.
An ultrasound examination is painless and does not involve the use of radioactive rays.
Electroencephalography (EEG)
Sometimes it is necessary to chart how your brain works. This examination makes that possible. The computer records what is happening in your brain by means of electrodes on your head. You may be asked to do certain things: close your eyes, make a fist, blow, etc. This examination usually lasts between 40 and 60 minutes.
Sometimes a 24-hour EEG is necessary. In that case, you wear the electrodes for 24 hours (a whole day and night). Another variant is a sleep-deprived EEG. This EEG registers the activity of the brain, above all when transitioning from waking to sleeping. It is important that you do not sleep the night before this examination (= sleep deprivation).
Electromyography (EMG)
An EMG is an examination of the muscles. Electricity is used to describe how the muscle works. The EMG is part of the examination that a neurologist can carry out for patients suffering from neuropathic symptoms. Nerve conduction can also be charted using this examination. Both types of tests are part of the clinical neurophysiological examination.
Sensory Evoked Potential (SEP)
A Sensory Evoked Potential (SEP) examination is used to determine whether there are any abnormalities in the functioning of the nerves in the arm and/or leg. The speed at which the nerve passes a signal to your brain is measured. Electrodes are used for the measurement. These are small metal plates that transmit little electrical currents formed by the brain. Wires are attached to the electrodes and connected to an appliance that records the data in graphs.
Motor-Evoked Potential (MEP)
A motor-evoked potential (MEP) examination shows abnormalities (delays or interruptions) in the conduction of the motor nervous system. This is the part of the nervous system responsible for your movements.
