An Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a diagnostic test that measures and records the brain’s electrical activity using small electrodes placed on the scalp. The brain produces electrical impulses, and EEG captures their patterns in real time.
🔹 What It Helps Diagnose:
Epilepsy and seizure disorders
Sleep disturbances
Brain tumors
Encephalitis or brain infections
Unexplained fainting or confusion
Brain death in critical patients
The test is safe, painless, and usually takes 30–60 minutes. It may involve resting, hyperventilating, or flashing lights to stimulate brain activity.
The Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) test evaluates how quickly electrical impulses move through the peripheral nerves. Electrodes are placed on the skin over nerves and muscles, and a mild electrical stimulus is applied.
🔹 What It Diagnoses:
Nerve compression (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome)
Peripheral neuropathy (common in diabetes)
Herniated discs or sciatica
Guillain-Barré syndrome
Brachial plexus injuries
It’s often done along with an EMG (Electromyography) to check muscle function. The test is safe, with slight discomfort due to the electrical pulses.
BERA (Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry) is a non-invasive test that evaluates how sound signals travel from the ear to the brainstem. It measures the brain’s electrical response to clicks or tones played through headphones.
🔹 Common Uses:
Hearing screening in newborns
Hearing assessment in unresponsive patients
Detection of auditory nerve tumors (e.g., acoustic neuroma)
Evaluation of brainstem functioning
Small electrodes are placed on the scalp, and the test usually lasts about 30–45 minutes. It is completely safe, painless, and does not require any active response from the patient.