Neurophysiology Services

MUSC Health Neurophysiology specialists perform diagnostic services for a range of neurological disorders in a comfortable setting. We use advanced diagnostic technology to obtain the most accurate diagnosis possible, so you can get the treatment you need. Meet neurophysiologist Dr. Sonali Sharma.

Neurophysiology Services: Accreditations

MUSC Health is one of a select few medical centers in the country with five different accredited diagnostic services and laboratories for the testing and treatment of neurological disorders. These accreditations recognize our commitment to meeting strict industry standards and providing the best diagnostic services.

Our accreditations include:

  • EMG lab accreditation from the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM).
  • EEG lab accreditation from the American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists (ABRET).
  • Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (IONM) certified specialists with accreditation from ABRET Neurodiagnostic Credentialing (CNIM).
  • Intracranial and extracranial cerebrovascular testing from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission.

Neurological Imaging Technology & Physiologic Technology at MUSC Health

The advanced imaging technology in our neurophysiology lab enables our doctors to get an accurate diagnosis quickly, reducing the need for unnecessary tests. Our neurophysiology lab features:

Electroencephalograms (EEG)

During this test for epilepsy, your doctor places electrode sensors on your scalp or brain surface to monitor your brain’s electrical activity.

We also offer:

  • Video EEG Monitoring: We simultaneously record your brain’s electrical activity with an EEG and video. Comparisons between the two records can help doctors pinpoint the origins of seizures and the seizure type. We also offer high-density EEG, which utilizes more than 100 electrode sensors to more accurately pinpoint the seizure focus.
  • Ambulatory EEG Monitoring: A small portable device monitors brain and seizure activity as you go about daily life outside the hospital. This method enables your doctor to observe brain activity over a longer period of time.

Nerve Conduction Studies & Electromyography (EMG)

An EMG measures the electrical activity of muscles. Nerve conduction studies measure electrical signals among nerves. Performed jointly, these tests aid the diagnosis of neurological conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis and neuropathy. MUSC has the only accredited EMG lab in South Carolina.

Evoked Potentials (EP)

An EP test measures how the brain responds to specific types of sensory input such as sound, light, and sensation. The test detects damaged areas, or lesions, in the brain, and aids the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, brain, and spinal tumors, and vision, and hearing problems.

Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM)

Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) provides real-time assessment and feedback of the patients' neurological function to surgeons that perform a wide variety of operative procedures. IONM serves as an immediate alarm to the surgical team to identify decline of neurologic function, in order to prevent permanent neurological impairment. Moreover, the IONM team serves as an advocate for the patient’s safety throughout surgical procedures.

Commonly monitored surgical procedures include adult and pediatric neurosurgery, orthopedic spine, cardiac, pain management, neurovascular, and ear, nose and throat specialties. The value of IONM has consistently been investigated and reported to enhance optimal patient care and surgical outcomes. MUSC is proud to have an IONM team on-site to ensure positive patient outcomes. Learn more about IONM

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

This imaging test is performed in conjunction with an electroencephalogram (EEG) to reveal how your brain uses glucose, a sugar. A low-level radioactive drug, or tracer, given with the glucose shows areas of the brain with high levels of chemical activity. PET scans can aid the diagnosis of epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and stroke.

Transcranial Doppler (TCD)

This noninvasive ultrasound procedure checks for abnormal blood flow within the major arteries of the brain. Your doctor may use TCD (also called an intracranial cerebrovascular exam) during surgery to monitor blood flow within the brain.

Carotid Doppler

This is an ultrasound of the arteries located in the neck. An ultrasound transducer is used to scan each side of the neck to examine the carotid arteries. Carotid Dopplers are performed for the following indications:

  • Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)
  • Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
  • Carotid dissection
  • Subclavian steal
  • Known stenosis

Wada Test

Your doctor may perform this test before you undergo surgery for epilepsy. The Wada test, also known as the intracarotid sodium amobarbital procedure (ISAP), helps establish where certain functions, such as language, and memory, are localized in the brain.

Contact Us

To learn more about MUSC Health neuroscience services or to schedule an appointment, please call 843-792-3641.

Refer a Patient

Submit an online appointment referral form or call our 24-hour referring physician service, MEDULINE, at 800-922-5250.