Our Approach
If you or a loved one has experienced any neurological condition that requires testing, the first step is to discuss your symptoms with a primary care physician or a neurologist. They can refer you to Stamford Health for further testing and to develop a care plan for you. Our team of specialists is dedicated to working closely with you to understand your condition and find the best treatments available.
Diagnostic Neurology Services Offered
What is an electroencephalogram (EEG)?
An EEG is the recording of the electrical activity of the brain. The EEG exam is a test performed while the patient is relaxed — it can be performed when awake, drowsy, and sometimes asleep. The test may range from 30 minutes (routine EEGs) to a few hours or several days (inpatient long-term monitoring with video or take-home ambulatory monitoring).
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What happens during an EEG?An EEG is a painless test. The head will be measured, and electrodes will be fixed over the scalp using special solutions and creams. The application process takes approximately 20-30 minutes, and the duration of the test depends on which test is ordered. The patient should come with a clean scalp and NO hair pieces attached. Patients will be asked to answer some questions or perform some simple tasks during the test. If the test requires sleep, the patient should stay awake extra hours the night before in preparation.
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How should you prepare for an EEG?Patients can eat before an EEG but should refrain from consuming caffeinated drinks or stimulants like chocolate three hours prior to the EEG. For the ambulatory test, we recommend patients wear a button-down or zipped shirt for easy clothing changes. Patients should also bring a list of all their current medications.
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How much does an EEG cost?Most insurance plans cover the cost of testing for epilepsy or neurological conditions. Patients will receive a estimate prior to their outpatient exam. The cost should not delay the diagnosis or treatment of seizures and nervous system conditions. Stamford Health offers several financial assistance programs.
What is a nerve conduction velocity or electromyography (NCV/EMG) test?
This test measures the electrical activity of nerves and muscles to help detect neuromuscular abnormalities. It can diagnose many conditions including carpal tunnel, pinched nerve, radiculopathy, sciatica, neuropathies, muscular dystrophy, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), and Myasthenia Gravis.
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What happens during a NCV/EMG?Part of the study involves a small needle that is inserted into the muscle to record muscle activity. A mild electrical stimulus is given to activate the nerve and monitor nerve function. This can cause discomfort; it takes about 30-45 minutes.
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What should you do to prepare for a NCV/EMG?Wear loose-fitting clothing and expect to change into a hospital gown, if applicable. Do not bring children to this appointment.
What is an evoked potentials test?
Evoked potentials record the brains’ electrical response to visual, auditory, and sensory stimuli. There are four types of these tests: visual evoked response (VER), brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER), somatosensory evoked response (SSER), and motor or sensory evoked potential.
These types of tests are conducted to assess hearing or sight in infants and children; to diagnose disorders of the optic nerve; to diagnose problems with spinal cord injuries or disease; and to help detect tumors or other problems affecting the brain and spinal cord. It’s important to note that these tests don’t lead to a specific diagnosis about what is causing the abnormality.
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What happens during an evoked potential test?This is a noninvasive test. Electrodes are used to record the brain's electrical activity and responses. For visual evoked potentials, a patient typically sits in front of a screen. For somatosensory evoked potentials, electrodes will be attached to the patient's arms and legs. For brainstem auditory evoked potentials, patients will wear earplugs or headphones. Any of these tests usually take about an hour to 90 minutes.
Types of Neurological Conditions We Diagnose
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ConvulsionsA convulsion is a condition in which muscles contract and relax quickly and cause uncontrolled shaking of the body. Head injuries, high fevers, some medical disorders, and certain drugs can cause convulsions. They may also occur during seizures caused by epilepsy.
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Demyelinating DiseasesDemyelinating diseases are a group of disorders that damage the myelin sheath, a protective fatty layer that covers nerve fibers in the central (brain and spinal cord) and peripheral (rest of the body) nervous systems.
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Multiple Sclerosis (MS)Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the protective myelin sheath that covers nerve fibers, disrupting the transmission of nerve signals. The exact cause is unknown.
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Neuromuscular DisordersNeuromuscular disorders are a group of conditions that affect the nerves and muscles. They can cause tingling, numbness, weakness, muscles spasms, neuropathy, and other symptoms. There are many different types of neuromuscular disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, peripheral neuropathy, and more.
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Optic NeuritisOptic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain. It can cause vision problems. The condition may be caused by multiple sclerosis (MS), viral infections, bacterial infections, autoimmune disorders, tumors, or trauma.
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PolyneuropathyPolyneuropathy is a condition where multiple peripheral nerves (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord) are damaged, leading to various symptoms. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, weakness, muscle atrophy, pain/burning sensation, difficulty walking or standing, loss of balance and coordination, and more. This condition can be caused by many factors including diabetes, alcohol abuse, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, infections, and more.
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SeizuresSeizures occur when one or more parts of the brain has a burst of abnormal electrical signals that interrupt normal brain signals. They can cause changes in the level of consciousness (brief lapses of attention or total loss of consciousness), behavior, muscle jerks, memory, feelings, or prolonged convulsions. Seizure frequency can vary from once in a lifetime to multiple times per day. Seizures may be provoked (identifiable/modifiable cause) or unprovoked (without clear cause).
Meet Our Neurodiagnostic Medical Director, Dr. Derek Cheng
Dr. Derek Cheng is a board-certified and fellowship-trained neurologist specializing in the accurate diagnosis and treatment of patients with complex epilepsy or new-onset seizure disorders. Dr. Cheng’s advanced training offers hope to patients with new-onset seizures, or patients unable to manage their epilepsy.
Treatment begins with a comprehensive and personalized evaluation. Dr. Cheng treats patients using the latest medical therapies including medication and anti-seizure devices such as vagus nerve stimulator or the responsive neurostimulator. He also works as a member of a coordinated team when a patient is a candidate for epilepsy surgery.
Dr. Cheng understands the emotional aspect an epilepsy diagnosis can place on a patient and family. He is passionate about patient-centered care and provides compassionate, individualized care focusing on the quality of life for each patient.
MORE ABOUT DR. CHENG
Meet Our Doctors
Our Locations
Ste 602
Stamford, CT 06902
Phone: 203.276.4464
Fax: 203.276.4468
Basement of Whittingham Pavilion
Stamford, CT 06902
Main: 203.276.7543
Fax: 877.445.5521