Neurophysiology at Prodorso Zurich

Our neurophysiology department performs electrodiagnostic testing (ENMG – electromyography and nerve conduction studies) to assess the function of nerves and muscles. Depending on the clinical question, various diagnostic methods are used:

Electromyography (EMG):
Electromyography records the activity of individual muscles. For this purpose, a special, very thin needle is inserted into the muscle. The examination shows how a muscle can be activated voluntarily and how it reacts to electrical signals from a neighboring nerve. This allows for an assessment of whether there is damage to the muscle itself or to the supplying nerve. Furthermore, it is possible to distinguish between acute and chronic damage and to estimate its severity. By examining multiple muscles, it can be determined, for example, which nerve root is affected in the case of a herniated disc.

Nerve Conduction Studies (Electroneurography, ENG):
Electroneurography is used to examine the conductivity of peripheral nerves. In this procedure, the nerve is stimulated by a mild electrical stimulus. The impulse is transmitted along the nerve to the muscle, where the resulting muscle response is measured. Delayed or reduced responses indicate impaired nerve conduction, such as in carpal tunnel syndrome. Other nerve damage, such as that caused by diabetes, can also be detected and differentiated from nerve entrapment syndromes.

Examination of the motor endplate:
Signal transmission from the nerve to the muscle is tested using repetitive nerve stimulation.

Autonomic function testing:
The autonomic nervous system is assessed by measuring the sympathetic skin response (SSR).

SEP examination (somatosensory evoked potentials):
Sensory signals are triggered by mild electrical stimulation of a nerve in the hand or foot. The resulting changes in activity in the sensory areas of the cerebral cortex are recorded and evaluated as somatosensory evoked potentials.

MEP examination (motor evoked potentials):
Using a magnetic coil, the motor cortex is activated through the skull. The conduction time between the motor cortex, the spinal cord, and the muscles of the arm or leg is measured. This allows for the assessment of the functionality of the motor conduction pathways.

Neurovascular ultrasound:
Neurovascular ultrasound is a gentle and painless examination of the blood vessels supplying the brain. During the procedure, the carotid arteries and intracranial vessels are assessed using ultrasound. The examination makes it possible to detect vascular narrowing, plaque deposits, or circulatory disorders and, detect vascular narrowing, plaque deposits, or circulatory disorders, and to assess stroke risk. Neurovascular ultrasound is used, for example, in stroke aftercare, for dizziness, neurological deficits, or for monitoring known vascular diseases. The examination is non-invasive, involves no radiation exposure, and can be performed on an outpatient basis.