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About us – What is Neurophysiology?

Clinical Neurophysiology is a discipline which lies within healthcare science.

We are a diagnostic department offering a wide range of routine, urgent and inpatient neurodiagnostics across Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust for people of all ages.

We have strong links with neurology, paediatrics, orthopaedics and intensive care as well as providing services to primary care across the county. We have a keen interest in education and as such regularly host clinical science, medical and nursing students from the University of Worcester and other higher education establishments.

Neurophysiology is involved with diagnosing disorders of the nervous system; such as neuromuscular disease, nerve entrapments, epilepsy and ophthalmic disease.  Our Investigations include:

• EEG (electroencephalography) – Recording the electrical activity of the brain from the scalp. This is used mainly in the diagnosis of epilepsy but can also be used for other conditions such as encephalitis.
• Evoked potentials – these are potentials produced by the brain in response to specific stimuli, for example a flashing light or sounds. Evoked Potentials are used in diagnosis of various neurological conditions and can also be a used as a prognostic indicator for cardiac arrest patients.
• EMG (electromyography) and NCS (nerve conduction studies) – these assess function of the nerves and muscles within the body. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is commonly diagnosed using NCS. EMG is used in conditions affecting nerve and muscle function.