NCS (Nerve Conduction Studies) & EMG (Electro MyoGraphy)

• A nerve conduction study involves activating nerves electricallywith small safe pules over several points on the skin, usually onthe limbs, and measuring the responses obtained. This givesinformation about the state of health of the nerve, muscle andneuromuscular junction (the portion responsible forcommunication between the nerve and muscle).
• Electromyography (also known as needle EMG) involves themeasuring of electrical activity within muscles by way of aneedle electrode. It is rather similar to having an electricalmicrophone at the tip of the needle.

Conditions where NCS/EMG are useful in aiding diagnosis:

• Nerve disorders: This can be a local problem such as atrapped nerve like median nerve entrapment at wrist, diabeticneuropathy, compression in the neck and lower back likeSciatica muscle disorders & neuromuscular junction disorderssuch as myasthenia gravis.

EEG & Video EEG

• The brain is built from many nerve cells. These nerve cellsexchange information by electrical signals.
• The signals from the brain are received and amplified by anadvanced electronic system and are registered directly on thecomputer's memory.
• EEG & VEEG is a non-invasive test - it is external only.
• The EEG and Video EEG tests are similar but require differentpreparation, because of the differences between the lengths ofeach test. EEG is a relatively short test, which does not requirehospitalization. Video EEG is a longer test which requireshospitalization and preparation.
• VEEG is done with special equipment which records EEG, videoand sound onto a computer for later analysis. In contrast toroutine EEG recordings which are normally performed betweenepisodes, VEEG aims to record EEG and behavior duringepisodes.

Why VEEG is performed?

The main reasons for VEEG monitoring is to distinguishepileptic seizures from episodes that may mimic epilepticseizures and also to characterize the type of seizure(s) that aperson is having, so as to localize the part of the brain fromwhere patients seizures are arising.

About Department

At GMCH, Department of Neurosurgery , state-of-the-art surgical as well as microsurgical techniques are employed to diagnose, treat and alleviate pain and disability caused by neurological problems. A highly qualified and skilled team comprising neurosurgeon along with an efficient team of anesthesiologists, nurses, and medical staff guide the patient through the entire process aiding a smooth procedure and recuperation. Procedures like Spine Trauma, Head Injuries, Polytrauma, Spine Surgery, Brain Tumor surgery, Disk replacement surgery, Endovascular Neurosurgery are routinely performed at GMCH.

Brain Tumours

Brain tumors can be found in patients of any age. They can begin in any part of the brain. In addition, a brain tumor may be conned to a single area or infiltrate several areas. Brain tumors also vary in aggressiveness, or speed of growth. Quality of life is diminished through neurological deficits with these tumors and they must be dealt with as soon as a definitive diagnosis is made.

At GMCH, Department of Neurosurgery, In addition to providing innovative care for common brain tumors such as gliomas, our multidisciplinary team which includes neuro oncologists and radiation oncologists, provides specialized care in coordinates fashion for patients with complex tumors including acoustic neuromas / schwannomas, meningiomas, colloid cysts, pituitary tumors, pineal tumors, skull base tumors, and pediatric tumors. We utilize state-of-the-art techniques including minimally invasive approaches, neuroendoscopy, awake craniotomy to maximize tumor removal and minimize risk in brain tumor surgery. Patients are treated in a holistic manner to optimize their medical care and to meet their emotional and functional needs.

Cerebrovascular Disorders

At GMCH, Department of Neurosurgery, Sub-Arachroid Hemorrhages, caused by bleeding aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), is treated using state-of-the-art microsurgical techniques. Aneurysms, AVMs, or dural arteriovenous fistulas can be blocked or removed to prevent life-threatening bleeding. Multidisciplinary approach including experienced - neurosurgeons and interventional neuroradiologists achieve the best possible patient outcomes.

Epilepsy

At GMCH, Department of Neurosurgery The goal of resective epilepsy surgery is to safely remove the area(s) of the brain from which seizures emanate. A variety of highly specialized techniques are applied to maximize the efficacy and safety of epilepsy surgical procedures like intraop corticography.

Spine Surgery

At GMCH, Department of Neuro surgery we have vast experience in the treatment of complex spine issues. We are dedicated to the evaluation and treatment of patients suffering from disorders of the spine and spinal cord. Specialists in neurosurgery, pain management and rehabilitation work together in order to offer patients the most comprehensive and appropriate treatment. We responds to the individual needs of our patients by providing innovative non-operative and operative treatments. We incorporate the latest evidence-based treatment algorithms to optimize each patient's recovery. Our primary goal is to improve each patient's function and quality of life.

Peripheral Nerve Surgery

At GMCH, Department of Neurosurgery we are committed to the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of peripheral nerve problems like carpel tunnel syndrome, ulnar neuropathy. Our goal is to maximize function, minimize suffering, and help patients realize their full potential despite their affiction with difficult, painful, and sometimes disabling peripheral nerve disorders. You will likely require electro diagnostic studies and perhaps imaging studies in addition to detailed history and examination to provide additional, crucial diagnostic information. We utilize a wide range of treatment modalities that have been rigorously scrutinized and proven effective to help our patients enjoy the best outcomes possible. Noninvasive treatments may be as simple as a recommendation to maintain active use of an affected extremity, or as complex as a detailed physiotherapy regimen involving modalities such as splinting, massage, ultrasound, or weight training. Invasive treatments range from the minimally-invasive decompression techniques to exquisitely complex and lengthy brachial plexus reconstruction and tumor excision procedures.

Pediatric Neurosurgery

At GMCH Neurosurgery Department we treat pediatric complications like - hydrocephalus, spina bifida, tethered cord, and Chiari malformations. Minimally invasive techniques like neuroendoscopy are used to treat hydrocephalus. We have PICU with experienced team for support and management of pediatric emergencies.

Trauma

At GMCH, Department of Neurosurgery we has a state-ofthe- art accident and emergency department comprising of highly skilled and efficient team of emergency room physician, trauma surgeon, paramedical staff and well trained nursing staff. Well equipped emergency department and ICU allows expert physicians to aggressively monitor a patient's neurological condition in real time, resulting in fast and effective treatment. Our team of neurosurgeons, anesthetists, intensivist, trauma surgeons is qualified to treat even the most severe cases of brain . In addition to saving patients' lives, we focus on optimizing recovery so patients have a better chance of preserving their quality of life.

Useful info and health tips

Keep your brain sharp with these simple tips

• Keep learning! Keep your mind motivated and your brain active in any field that makes you constantly learn: reading, problem solving, brain fitness exercises, learning a language, playing an instrument or a memory game.
• Exercise your brain by exercising your body with challenging movements. Exercise boosts brainpower on multiple fronts: it increases heart rate which helps pump more oxygen to your brain and it releases hormones which both control stress and help stimulate new brain cells and the formation of new connections. Studies have shown that the exercises that benefit your brain the most are those that call on multiple skills such as coordination, rhythm and strategy.