 The Saint Barnabas Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery maintains a state-of-the-art Neurophysiology Laboratory that offers physicians and patients the most advanced procedures and instrumentation necessary for the complete diagnosis of a full spectrum of neurological conditions.
The Institute has a purpose-built 12 bed adult and 4 bed pediatric video-EEG and neurology monitoring unit. From these state-of-the-art monitoring units, physicians, nurses, and EEG technicians oversee the sophisticated testing performed for a variety of neurological conditions. Up to 8 portable video-EEG monitoring machines allow video-EEG monitoring anywhere in the hospital including the intensive care units.
The following neurological tests are performed at the Institute or
at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. If your physician
has requested one or more of the following neurological
tests, please call 973-322-7580 to schedule an
appointment at the Institute’s
Neurophysiology Laboratory.
EEG _ Electroencephalogram
An EEG is a recording of brain waves that provides physicians with critical information about the nature and location of any neurological abnormalities. Small electrodes are attached to precise locations on the patient’s head and brain waves are recorded for a predetermined length of time.
 Prolonged EEG recordings may be necessary. In this case the patient is hospitalized from 24 hour up to two weeks. Video-EEG matches the brain wave recordings with behavior and provides neurologists with important data about the seizure disorder.
EEG - Ambulatory
Ambulatory EEG is available to allow longer EEG recordings at home over a 48 to 72 hour duration. EEG electrodes are placed at the Institute of Neurology and the patient is allowed to return home and resume normal activities while EEG data is collected in a data collection box on a belt. An event button can be pressed if episodes or seizures occur and allow for accurate diagnosis. At the end of the 48 or 72 hour period, the patient returns for the removal of the EEG electrodes. Expert epileptologists interpret the EEG data with the aid of state-of-the-art computer software analysis.
MEG - Magnetoencephalography
Magnetoencephalography is a new technology that allows the non-invasive analysis of brain waves in order to localize an epilepsy focus, make an epilepsy diagnosis, or map the location of important brain functions such as sensation, vision, hearing, and language. The outpatient study takes about 1 hour and is performed at the NYMEG Center in Manhattan, NY. The MEG data is then transferred to the Institute of Neurology for analysis by INN epileptologists to use to create a personalized management plan for the person with epilepsy.
The most sophisticated computer software is utilized for advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging that provides a detailed view of the brain by employing magnetism and radio waves. This state-of-the-art equipment provides neurologists with an increased number of high-definition images of the brain that can pinpoint the site of neurological disturbance.
Nerve Conduction Studies and EMG - Electromyography
Neurologists at the Institute of Neurology perform nerve conduction studies and EMG to aid in the diagnosis of peripheral nerve, nerve root, and neuromuscular disorders. This outpatient study involves the measurement and assessment of electrical impulses in peripheral nerves and muscle. The test is able to diagnose many disorders including carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve compression, peripheral neuropathies, pinched nerve roots, and myopathies.
Tilt-Table Video-EEG
Video-EEG is performed during tilt table testing in the evaluation of fainting (syncope) or loss of consciousness in conjunction with cardiac electrophysiologists at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. The video and EEG analysis increase the ability to accurately diagnose and treat these conditions
The Wada test, also know as the intracarotid amobarbital procedure, consists of behavioral testing following the injection of an anesthetic that suspends activity in one half of the brain. Patients remain awake throughout the test and complete a series of activities that measure language, speech, memory and cognitive abilities in the alert portion of the brain. The Wada test is the only method for determining whether these vital brain functions originate in the patient’s right or left hemisphere. Directed by a neuropsychologist with monitoring by a neurologist and a neuroradiologist, the Wada test is conducted when evaluating an individual’s suitability for epilepsy neurosurgery or other neurosurgical procedures that might affect critical neurological function.
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