Specialized neurological assessments including quantitative EEG brain mapping, autonomic nervous system testing, and neurocognitive evaluation that guide the selection and monitoring of neuromodulation therapies.
Before beginning any neuromodulation therapy, a thorough neurological assessment is essential. Neuromodulation diagnostics at St. George Hospital evaluate brain function, autonomic nervous system performance, and cognitive status to determine which neuromodulation methods are most appropriate and to establish baselines for monitoring treatment response.
These assessments combine established neurological examination techniques with advanced functional testing to create a comprehensive picture of the patient’s neurological status.
Quantitative EEG (qEEG) is a cornerstone of neuromodulation diagnostics. A standard 19-channel or 21-channel EEG is recorded and analyzed using computerized algorithms that compare the patient’s brain wave patterns to normative databases. This identifies specific frequency abnormalities in defined brain regions — for example, excessive theta activity associated with cognitive slowing, or asymmetric alpha patterns associated with depression.
Autonomic nervous system testing includes heart rate variability (HRV) analysis, tilt-table testing for orthostatic intolerance, and pupillometry. Neurocognitive assessment uses standardized tests to evaluate attention, memory, executive function, and processing speed. These metrics establish baselines against which treatment effects can be objectively measured.
A comprehensive neuromodulation diagnostic evaluation takes approximately 2-3 hours. The qEEG recording takes 30-45 minutes and involves placing a cap with electrodes on the scalp. Autonomic testing takes 30-60 minutes and may include lying and standing measurements. Neurocognitive testing involves paper-based and computer-based tasks. All testing is non-invasive and painless. Results are analyzed by our neuromodulation specialists and discussed during a treatment planning consultation.
Quantitative EEG is supported by extensive research published in Clinical Neurophysiology, the Journal of Neurotherapy, and NeuroImage. HRV analysis is validated by studies in Circulation and the European Heart Journal. Standardized neurocognitive testing has decades of evidence supporting its reliability and validity. At St. George Hospital, these established assessment tools are combined to create a comprehensive neurological profile that guides evidence-informed treatment decisions.
