Neurodiagnostics or electro-neurodiagnostics, END, is the study and recording of activity in the brain and nervous system to determine if they are functioning correctly. Accredited by ABRET, Kootenai Health’s Neurodiagnostics Services assists physicians in the diagnosis of conditions including epilepsy, vascular disease, multiple sclerosis, movement disorders, head trauma and many more. All studies are performed by registered technologists.
The Kootenai Health Epilepsy Center is part of our Neuroscience Center and is a Level 3 Epilepsy Center, accredited by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC). Level 3 epilepsy centers have the professional expertise and facilities to provide the highest-level medical evaluation and treatment for patients with complex epilepsy.
Here is more information on the types of studies completed at Kootenai Health.
Electroencephalograph (EEG)
An EEG records the electrical activity of the brain. Sensitive monitoring equipment records the activity through electrodes placed on the patient’s scalp. EEGs assist physicians in the diagnosis of a variety of neurological problems from headaches and dizziness to seizure disorders, strokes, and degenerative brain disease. The EEG is also used to look for altered mental status, organic causes of psychiatric symptoms, numerous disabilities and to determine irreversible brain death.
Evoked Potential (EP)
An EP records electrical activity from the brain, spinal cord nerves, or sensory receptors as they respond to stimulation introduced as part of the test. How long the response takes helps evaluate a number of different problems, including brainstem and spinal cord injuries. They are also used to diagnose multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis, brain injury after cardiac arrest, and other neurological conditions.
Intraoperative Monitoring
Neurodiagnostics Services monitors patients during certain surgical procedures to give the surgeon additional information about brain and nerve function during the operation. Evoked potential and electromyography monitoring may be used during neurosurgery or orthopedic surgery to help evaluate the nerve pathways in the area being operated on.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
Deep Brain Stimulation, DBS, is a procedure that can significantly help people with essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease. A small device implanted in the brain delivers electrical pulses that block or override signals in the brain that cause the tremors. Approved by the FDA in 1997, DBS can be a life-changing procedure for people who are no longer seeing results from prescription medications.
Newborn Hearing Screening
Kootenai Health tests the hearing of every baby born at the Kootenai Health’s Birthing Center. If a newborn does not pass the initial screening process, a more sophisticated study is performed in Neurodiagnostics Services. Auditory pathway studies help identify hearing problems early.
Nerve Conduction Study
Measures the speed of conduction of an electrical impulse through a nerve. This study can determine nerve damage or destruction.
Ambulatory EEG
Patients can wear a unit at home for one to five days in the comfort of their own home and receive a continuous EEG evaluation to capture any potential events.
Location and Contact Information
Kootenai Health Neurodiagnostics Services is located in the main Kootenai Health hospital (address listed below). For questions, please email or call the department directly at:
- Phone: 208.625.6805
- Fax: 208.769.8571
Referral Information
Kootenai Health offers flexible patient scheduling, quick EEG results (usually 5 business days), and we’re an ABRET accredited EEG lab! Here’s how to refer a patient:
- Fax the completed referral form (with a current H&P and a demographic page) to [email protected] or fax 208-769-8571.
- We will contact the patient directly to schedule (once we receive all of the above-listed information).
- If you have any additional questions or prefer to schedule directly with us, please call 208-625-6805.
