Clinical Neurophysiology
Nature of the work
Clinical neurophysiology is a branch of the
neurosciences that investigates neurological disease. Clinical
neurophysiologists use investigative techniques to record the
electrical properties of neural tissue and muscle.
Working in neurophysiology
This specialty is primarily involved with the
diagnosis of neuromuscular disease, nerve entrapments, epilepsy and
ophthalmic disease. However, increasingly it includes more
specialist work. This includes:
- Intra-operative monitoring of the integrity of the spinal cord
during scoliosis surgery.
- Mapping of the cerebral cortex in epilepsy surgery.
- Localisation of the subthalamic nuclei for ablative surgery in
Parkinson’s disease and tremor.
Looking to the future, the specialty is
devolving work to technical staff in order to provide services more
efficiently. This is freeing up medical staff to provide a more
supportive and supervising clinical role.
Common procedures / interventions
Common procedures and interventions
include:
- Nerve conduction studies and electromyography.
- Electro-encephalography (EEG) and evoked potential
studies.
Associated sub specialties
Most clinical neurophysiologists provide a
comprehensive general service, but they may also undertake
sub-specialty work such as one of the following areas:
- Evaluation of patients for epilepsy surgery and Parkinson’s
Disease.
- Intra-operative neurophysiological monitoring for spinal and
neurosurgery.
- Uro-electromyography.
Further information
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