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HomeAreas of CareNeurologyNeurodiagnostics

Neurodiagnostics

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Neurodiagnostics record and study the electrical activity of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles. At Osler, we offer the following neurodiagnostic procedures:

Electromyogram (EMG)/Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)

These procedures check if your muscles and nerves are working properly. They assess symptoms such as numbness, tingling and weakness.

  • EMG uses a needle to evaluate and record your muscles' electrical activity
  • NCS evaluate how your nerves function

What should I expect?

A technologist will place electrodes on your skin and electrical impulses will be sent from the electrodes to your muscles. You will feel little to no discomfort.

A neurologist will insert a small needle into one of your muscles. A small wire will record any changes in electrical activity when you are moving and at rest. You may feel some discomfort during this procedure.

How should I prepare?

Please do not apply cream, oil or hand sanitizer on the skin or area being tested.

How long will this take?

An EMG will take up to 90 minutes and a NCS usually takes 30-90 minutes.

Electroencephalography (EEG)

An EEG is a test that tracks and records brain wave patterns. It is used to find problems with the brain's electrical activity. Most EEGs are done to diagnose and monitor seizure disorders. An EEG can also evaluate other problems, such as:

  • sleep disorders
  • changes in behaviour
  • brain activity after a severe head injury

What should I expect?

You will be asked to lay on a bed or sit in a chair. The EEG technologist will attach electrodes to your scalp using adhesive paste. Each electrode is connected to equipment that records brain waves.

You will be asked to lie still, look at a bright flashing light and breathe as instructed.

How should I prepare?

  • Your hair should be clean and free of oils, sprays and conditioner. This will help the electrodes stick to your scalp.
  • Do not have caffeine before the test.
  • If you must sleep during the EEG, please follow the instructions provided with your appointment information.

How long will this take?

Your EEG will take about 60 minutes.

Evoked Potentials (EP)

This test measures your brain's electrical activity when specific nerve pathways are stimulated. Its purpose is to detect damage along these pathways.

What should I expect?

Electrodes will be placed on your scalp and skin. You will feel little to no discomfort.

How should I prepare?

Please do not apply cream, oil or hand sanitizer on the skin or area being tested (including wrists and ankles). Your hair should be clean and free of oils, sprays and conditioner.

How long will this take?

This test will take 30-90 minutes.

Contact us

Brampton Civic Hospital
2100 Bovaird Drive East, Brampton, ON
Phone: 905-494-2120 ext. 57607
Kiosk registration: Proceed to Cardiac Diagnostics in the North building, 2nd level.

Etobicoke General Hospital
101 Humber College Boulevard, Etobicoke, ON
Phone: 416-747-3469
Kiosk registration: Proceed to Outpatient Diagnostics in the West Patient Tower, lower level.

Please note:

  • You must bring a valid Ontario health card
  • If this is a work-related injury, bring a Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) claim number
  • Your doctor must fax us a referral before your appointment is scheduled
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Brampton Civic
Hospital

2100 Bovaird Drive East,
Brampton, ON L6R 3J7
Phone: 905-494-2120
More Information

Etobicoke General
Hospital

101 Humber College Boulevard,
Etobicoke, ON M9V 1R8
Phone: 416-747-3400
More Information

Peel Memorial Centre for
Integrated Health and Wellness

20 Lynch Street,
Brampton, ON L6W 2Z8
Phone: 905-494-2120
More Information

Reactivation Care
Centre

200 Church Street,
Etobicoke, ON M9N 1N8
Phone: 416-243-4390
More Information

Withdrawal Management
Centre

135 McLaughlin Road South,
Brampton, ON L6Y 2C8
Phone: 905-456-3500
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