Preparation for a Neurological Evaluation / Information for Patients

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Preparation for a Neurological Evaluation

Preparation is easy!

What to Bring to all Neurological Evaluations

• Parent or guardian, if patient is less than 18 years of age.
• Insurance card, social security number, name and date of birth of insured
• Patients are invited to bring a favorite DVD, stuffed animal or toy, blanket, a light snack and a water/juice bottle or baby bottle for infants.

Before all Neurological Evaluations

• Patient should arrive bathed, with clean hair. Hair gels, sprays and other oily substances should not be used.
• If your child is currently being treated for ADHD or any other medical conditions, please inform our scheduler so that we can better prepare for your child's study.

During the Neurological Evaluation

Your child's neurological technician will confirm your medical history and question you and your child about neurological symptoms and behaviors, activities and answer your questions about the electroencephalogram (EEG). You and your child will then be taken to a comfortable suite where the electroencephalogram (EEG) will be performed.

Your technician will attach small lead wires on your child's head with glue. You may be asked help hold your child or distract him or her while the leads are put into place. Our technicians are experienced in placing these monitors on children of all ages and developmental backgrounds. The leads are small and painless and should be easily removed after the study is complete.

Additional Instructions for Other Types of Neurological Evaluations

Sleep Deprived Electroencephalogram (EEG)

A sleep deprived EEG is a neurological test of the brain and brain waves. Patients who come to their EEG with a "sleepy brain" will yield better test results. The test takes approximately 1 to 2 hours to complete – all EEG's are customized for your child, so times may vary. The patient's brain waves are monitored by an experienced pediatric neuro technician. During the test strobe lights may be used or the patient may be asked to blow on a pinwheel to induce hyperventilation.

Additional Preparation Instructions for a Sleep Deprived EEG:

• No more than 4-5 hours of sleep prior to the patient's scheduled appointment.
• Please! No caffeine the night prior or day of the study.
• Patient may have a light breakfast.
• Patient should continue to take regular medications unless the patient's doctor states otherwise.

Long Term Monitoring (LTM)

A prolonged EEG test that allows the doctor to review video and audio in a controlled environment for a longer period of time. Study results allow the doctor to monitor your child during daytime and nighttime hours. Tests can last 12, 24, 48, or 72 hours.

Additional Preparation Instructions for an LTM:

• Same as sleep study — please see sleep study instructions.

Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)

This test usually follows a sleep study and consists of a "series of naps" the morning after a polysomnogram (PSG).

After the Neurological Evaluation

Your study will be reviewed and interpreted by a pediatric neurologist. The results will be sent to your referring physician within 72 hours after completion of the study. Evaluation time may vary depending on the depth of the study requested by your physician, but results are generally available within one week.

To receive results, you should contact your child's physician. If you have further questions regarding the study and its results, appointments are available with our our board certified physician. Our technicians are not authorized to discuss their observations regarding your child's symptoms. This information must come from your referring physician.

More Information

Learn more about neurological disorders.

Insurance

Authorization for your study will be obtained by Pediatric Sleep Institute prior to scheduling your appointment. Benefits, including deductibles and coinsurance amounts will be verified and discussed with you at the time of scheduling. Arrangements through the business office are available for both in- and out-of-network plans.

Payments will be expected prior to the beginning of your child's study for any applicable coinsurance, deductibles, or arrangements. You will be given a receipt of any payments made.

Insurance for your child's study will be filed the following day and you should receive a response from your insurance company through the mail. Their response will generally take 14 working days and in some instances can take up to 30 days. It is important that you contact our office if you have not received a response within 30 days. More insurance information.

Questions

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.