Specialties & Conditions Clinical Neurophysiology Laboratory
Clinical Neurophysiology Laboratory
Specialty
In Clinical Neurophysiology, our team of specialists from Lurie Children's Division of Neurology analyzes and monitors the nervous system function to promote effective treatment of neurological diseases and conditions for our pediatric patients. Our specialists, including pediatric neurology physicians and neurodiagnostic technologists, record electrical activity arising from the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves using a variety of techniques and instruments.
Procedures Performed
- Electroencephalograms (EEG)
- Evoked Potentials
- Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials (BAEP)
- Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEP)
- Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP)
- Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Study (NCS)
How to Prepare for an EEG
The night before the EEG, wash your child’s hair with shampoo.
Do not apply conditioner or other hair products and please remove any braids or hair extensions. The technologist must be able to apply the electrodes directly on your child’s scalp.
We do not sedate children for this test because sedative drugs affect the brain activity. We recommend sleep deprivation to facilitate sleep and to increase the likelihood of seeing EEG abnormalities relevant to seizure disorders. The night before the test, please ensure your child only sleeps for 4 hours or less. For example, the child can sleep only from midnight until 4 a.m. After that time, the child must be kept awake. This is extremely important in order to guarantee an optimal EEG recording. The lack of sleep puts stress on the individual’s nervous system, allowing the abnormalities to be recorded.
Other important notes:
- Patient may eat and drink before exam, however no caffeinated beverages.
- Take your medications as prescribed.
- Bring any rescue medications to the appointment.
- Bring Bipap or C-pap if used.
- One family member may accompany the patient in to the exam room.
How to Prepare for an Evoked Potential
The night before the Evoked Potential, wash your child’s hair with shampoo.
Do not apply conditioner or other hair products and please remove any braids or hair extensions. The technologist must be able to apply the electrodes directly on your child’s scalp.
Other important notes:
- Patient may eat and drink before exam.
- Take your medications as prescribed.
- A neurodiagnostic technologist will call with specific instructions based on your child’s age and type of Evoked Potential being performed.
- One family member may accompany the patient in to the exam room.
How to Prepare for an EMG/NCS
Do not put any lotions or creams the day of the procedure.
For an EMG/NCS exam the child must wear long sleeve shirts, long pants and socks to keep limbs warm prior to testing. It recommended to bring a pair of gym shorts to change into for the exam.
Other important notes:
- Patient may eat and drink before exam.
- Take your medications as prescribed.
- If your child has a pacemaker or vagal nerve stimulator, please notify the doctor upon arrival.
- If you child is prescribed any blood thinners, please notify the doctor upon arrival.
Laboratory Location
The Clinical Neurophysiology Laboratory is located on the third floor of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago (next to the Walgreen’s pharmacy). Lab hours are Monday– Friday, 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m. To contact us, please call 312.227.3010.
Other Locations
EEG recordings are also available at the following satellite locations:
Accreditation
The Clinical Neurophysiology Department has earned ABRET LAB EEG Accreditation by meeting technical standards and demonstrating quality neuro-diagnostic tests. Evaluation focuses on the technical component of the recordings and diagnostic policies and procedures.