An electroneurodiagnostic technologist uses equipment such as an EEG machine to record electrical impulses and diagnose brain tumors, epilepsy, strokes, sleep disorders, and Alzheimer’s disease. They may also perform nerve conduction studies and monitor brain activity during surgery. They must understand how to operate the equipment and report results to physicians.
An electroneurodiagnostic technologist is a health professional with special training who performs complex tests that involve monitoring, recording, analyzing and studying the nervous system. The field of study includes the brain, the peripheral nervous system and the spinal cord. Originally, those working in the field were called EEG technologists; however, the terminology changed as the field expanded beyond brain issues.
Using equipment such as an electroencephalogram (EEG) machine, an electroneurodiagnostic technologist can record electrical impulses that the nervous system and brain transmit. They can also help doctors diagnose brain tumors, epilepsy, strokes and various sleep disorders. Measuring the effects that certain infectious diseases have on the brain and analyzing whether a patient has a medical condition, such as Alzheimer’s disease, are also among the duties of an electroneurodiagnosis technologist. In addition, brain death or lack of activity in the brain can also be assessed to determine the likelihood of recovery from brain injury or coma.
An electronic neurodiagnostic technologist may be solely responsible for recording a patient’s EEG activity. First, she can inform the patient and record her medical history. She will then apply electrodes connected to the electroencephalograph to the patient’s scalp. She is required to understand how the equipment works and how the results should be read for each individual patient based on their condition. She must also know how to report the results to the patient’s physician.
Performing other tests are also important tasks for an electroneurodiagnosis technologist. For example, she may be required to monitor and analyze the visual, auditory, and somatosensory pathways in the body. Furthermore, it would not be unusual for her to perform nerve conduction studies, stimulating the peripheral nerves to record how they respond. Polysomnography is a common test that monitors a patient’s sleep patterns and records any changes in body or brain functions that may arise. An electroneurodiagnostic technologist can also perform intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, where the patient’s brain and nerve activity is observed during surgery.
At times, an EDM technologist may need to respond during a testing session, specifically if a medical emergency occurs. She must act quickly and effectively in these moments. Regardless of whether there is an emergency situation, she will also consult with the patient after the test and write a report for the doctor and patient file. It is rewarding work for those who are interested in the workings of the brain, spine and nervous system.
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