Neuroelectrophysiology

The Department of Neuroelectrophysiology at our hospital was established in 2019 through the merger of the Electromyography Unit and the Electroencephalography Unit. As an objective extension of the physical examination of the nervous system, it is an important component of the diagnosis of neurological diseases. The department has a professional technical workforce organized in a tiered structure, with knowledge and capabilities in neurology and relatively extensive experience in neuroelectrophysiological testing and collaborative clinical diagnosis and treatment. It is at an advanced level in the field. The department’s Electromyography Unit was first established in 2002 and has 4 electromyography and evoked-potential instruments, 1 transcranial magnetic stimulation device, and other advanced neuroelectrophysiological examination equipment. Its examinations are widely used in the diagnosis of diseases in orthopedics, neurology/neurosurgery, immunology and rheumatology, endocrinology, dermatology, pediatrics, otorhinolaryngology, ophthalmology, and other specialties. They play an irreplaceable role in diagnosing various mononeuropathies, nerve-root lesions, multiple peripheral neuropathies, multiple myopathies, and motor neuron diseases, as well as in disability assessment and forensic evaluation. The main patients targeted include: 1 various sensory and motor disturbances (such as numbness, weakness, and pain, etc.) and muscle atrophy; 2 muscle fasciculations, tremor, or rigidity (cramps); 3 various open or closed nerve injuries, etc. The department’s Electroencephalography Unit was established in 2003 and has 2 video EEG machines and 3 ambulatory EEG machines. EEG can reflect the functional state of the brain and nervous system and is currently the gold standard for examining brain function. EEG examinations have auxiliary diagnostic value in distinguishing organic from functional brain lesions and diffuse from localized damage; diagnosing epilepsy and localizing lesions; diagnosing encephalitis; diagnosing encephalopathies caused by various factors, including toxic and metabolic factors; determining brain death; and assessing brain function and prognosis in patients with severe coma. They are particularly significant in the diagnosis of epilepsy. The department currently has 5 physicians, including 1 associate chief physician and 1 attending physician, as well as 2 postgraduate students.