What is a Neurodiagnostic Technologist?
Neurodiagnostic technology assists in diagnosing problems with the brain, nervous system, and sleep habits of humans. Neurodiagnostic technologists use complex diagnostic equipment to perform tests that target these three areas of the human body, and help to discover abnormalities that allow physicians to diagnosis and treat patient issues. They work in a hospital or outpatient clinic setting.
What does a Neurodiagnostic Technologist do?
Neurodiagnostic technologists are responsible for doing a variety of tests that look at how the brain, nerves, and muscles work. They greet patients and prepare them for testing by explaining what is about to occur, and how the results of the testing will assist the physician. They perform the test, and ensure the results are accurate by recognizing and correcting any abnormalities caused by sources other than the patient.
Neurodiagnostic technologists review, edit, and offer explanations for test results prior to sending them to the physician. They ensure that the information the report relays has value and is easy for the physician to interpret and apply to the patient’s clinical condition. They account for normal variances versus abnormalities in testing results.
The neurodiagnostic technologist is capable of performing a variety of advanced diagnostic tests:
- Electroencephalograms that measure electrical activity of the brain
- Nerve conduction studies that measure how the brain conducts messages to various nerves throughout the body
- Electromyography, which measures the electrical activity of skeletal muscles
- Intraoperative monitoring of nerves and muscle responses
What is the workplace of a Neurodiagnostic Technologist like?
Neurodiagnostic technologists can expect to work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, research facility, or a sleep study lab. The workspaces are clean but often small. The machinery takes up a large portion of the space, leaving a relatively small space for the patient and technician.
Neurodiagnostic Technologists are also known as:
Electroneurodiagnostic Technologist