We know that preparing for your visit is important. Here are some brief descriptions of what you can expect when you arrive.
TeleMedicine Appointments
Telemedicine or telehealth appointments are available for existing patients by appointment only. To schedule an appointment please contact scheduling. At the time of your appointment, enter our virtual waiting room. You must use either a laptop or desktop computer with a working webcam. Use either google chrome or Mozilla firefox and make sure you have reliable internet connection before you begin your appointment.
Neurology Consultations
All of our consults are scheduled with a board-certified neurologist. Make sure to bring a photo identification and any applicable insurance information. We do not require registration paperwork to be completed at this time, as we prefer to complete it in person. This eliminates time and paperwork for you, the patient.
Please show up 15 minutes early to your appointment. Amounts due will be communicated during your reminder call. Patients who miss their new patient consultations may not be rescheduled.
Patients will spend about ten minutes with a registration technician. Intake procedures include a discussion of medical history, family history, current medications and chief complaints.
Each patient will be directed to a special neurology exam room where the consultation will take approximately 45-60 minutes. One family member is welcome at this consultation. At this time, we’ll recommend tests and procedures, and determine overall course of treatment.
Upon checkout, patients will be given a form to document follow up procedures over the next several months. The entire process from check-in to finish takes about 90 minutes.
EEG Test
This is a brainwave test. Patients are asked to show up 15 minutes prior to their appointments. Please don’t use hair products, as 8-12 electrodes will be placed on various locations on the head. It takes about 20 minutes, and the electrodes are secured with a gentle gelatin substance.
This test is administered by a neuro-technologist who gathers data, presents it to a neurologist, where they prepare a report within about five to seven days. Shampoo and towels are provided for patients who would like to wash the gelatin substance out of their hair.
EVP Test
This test is used to determine if the patient has multiple sclerosis or a related condition. It takes approximately 1.5 hours. The process is non-invasive and not painful.
Nerve Conduction Study
This test is used to diagnose anything from nerve problems to muscular dystrophy to pinched nerves, communicates in real time with the patient. It measures wavelengths between nerves and muscles. It’s an approximately two-hour consultation. There are no special preparatory measures for the patient to take, aside from not wearing lotions.
Sleep Studies
These are generally conducted from 7PM – 7AM. We endeavor to make the routine as normal as possible for our patients. We do ask that family members do not remain with the patient, as this may skew results.
Patients have private rooms with televisions, bathrooms, showers and, wireless internet. Patients typically spend about an hour with a sleep technician, and sleep time occurs at 10 p.m.
Patients are monitored throughout the night and released by 6:30 a.m.
MRI Imaging
MRI Scan Information
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to acquire detailed clear cross sectional images of the body. The acquired images are then read by a radiologist.
Each MRI exam can take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes depending on what is being imaged. An MRI exam usually consist of multiple sequences each lasting anywhere from 2 to 10 minutes. During the exam it is important that you remain still, MRI is very motion sensitive and any motion can distort image quality.
If you are claustrophobic please speak with your physician prior to the exam. Premedication may be an option. We will require that you have someone to drive you home.
Preparation: Before the MRI, eat normally and take your usual medications unless otherwise instructed. You will be given a hospital gown to wear or instructed to wear lose clothing without any metal or metal fasteners. Remove all accessories such as jewelry or hair pins/clips. You will also be instructed to remove any wigs, dentures, glasses and hearing aids. You will be given a locker to secure all items. Any electronic items such as a cell phone may be damaged by the magnetic field.
Tell the technologist if you have any of the following:
Pacemaker, defibrillator, or artificial heart valve
cochlear/inner ear implants
spinal stimulator
intrauterine device (IUD)
bullets/shrapnel
metal plates, pins, screws
prosthetic joints,
VNS or Neurostimulator
Programmable Shunt
Aneurysm Clips or Coils
If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, please tell the technologist.
During the Exam: You will be placed into a cylindrical magnet with a central opening. You will lie on a narrow table and be comfortably positioned so as to reduce movement. It is important that you remain still during the duration of the exam. A small coil maybe placed around the area being imaged. The technologist will be in an adjoining room, but can see, hear and speak with you at all times. The magnet is very loud, it makes loud tapping or thumping noises you will be given hearing protection either ear plugs or earphones. The exam is painless although you may feel warmth in the area being examined.
Contrast: Some MRI studies are completed with an MRI contrast agent. Gadolinium is used to enhance visibility of certain tissues. The contrast agent is given via a small intravenous injection placed in a vein in your arm. You maybe required to have labs prior to injection.
Post MRI Instructions: A copy of the MRI will be given at the end of the exam. It usually takes two to three days for the radiologist to read the exam and for your doctor to get the results. Once it has been reviewed by your physician you should receive a call from our medical staff.
If given contrast, drink lots of fluids to flush the contrast out of the system. Most of the contrast is excreted by the kidneys within 24 hours after injection. Any questions please ask the technologist or your physician.