Neurologists treat disorders of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles. Some common symptoms of neurologic disorders are:

Head ache
Speech & swallowing disorders
Fits
walking or balancing difficulty
Dizziness
Visual disturbances
Loss of conciousness
Tingling or numbness
Weekness & paralusis
Bladder control
Sleep disturbances

The department of Neurology at SGL Hospital is one of the finest in the country. Manned by highly qualified full-time senior consultants, and backed by a state of the art clinical neurophysiology lab (EMG, NCV, EEG, Evoked Potentials), neuroradiology including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), digital subtraction angiography (DSA), extracranial and intracranial vascular Doppler, single photon emmission computed tomography (SPECT) and interventional neuroradiology and excellent neuropathological backup, the department is equipped to manage any neurological disorder. World class critical care units (CCU) are geared to deal rapidly with 'brain attack' and other neurological emergencies round the clock. A physiotherapy and rehabilitation department offers exceptional neurorehabilitation to help stricken patients overcome their disabilities.

Clinical Neurophysiologic Services (Electrodiagnosis)

Electromyography (NCV/EMG)
Evoked potentials (EP)
Electroencephalography (EEG)
Sleep studies (polysomnography)

EMG

During an EMG, the neurologist analyses the electric activity in muscles by inserting a fine needle electrode into selected muscles. Needle insertion may cause mild temporary discomfort. The needle is not used for injection and no shocks are given. The physician can determine whether the muscle is working normally by seeing the electric activity on a screen and listening over a loudspeaker. The needles are discarded after use or sterilised to prevent the transmission of AIDS, hepatitis and other infections.

NCV

To perform nerve conduction studies, the physician tapes small metal electrodes on the skin and applies a brief electric stimulus to one portion of a nerve. Nerve stimulation will cause a tingling sensation. The physician can then evaluate the electric response of the nerve or muscle to which the nerve is attached and determine if the nerve impulse is a) conducted normally, b) at a slow speed or c) not transmitted at all, suggesting damage to the nerve.

Evoked Potentials

Electrodiagnosis may also include a number of other tests, such as evoked potentials. These studies use different stimuli, such as auditory clicks, a changing visual pattern such as a checkerboard, or small electric stimuli applied to specific nerves. The recordings are made over the surface of the head and the spine to evaluate whether the sensory impulses are conducting normally through the nerves, spinal cord or brain.

Special Precautions

The patient does not need to do anything special to prepare for this test, except to keep the skin free of any lotions or emollients on the day of the examination. Be sure to inform the physician, however, if you are taking blood-thinning medication such as Coumadin, have hemophilia or a cardiac pacemaker. Patients with myasthenia gravis should ask their physician whether or not to take anticholinesterase medications on the day of the test.