The North Wales Neurophysiology Service is currently based at Ysbyty Gwynedd, with portable service and outreach clinics held in Community and other General Hospitals.
The service performs physiological diagnostic investigations to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of adult and paediatric central and peripheral nervous system disorders and muscle diseases. Most referrals relate to suspected Epilepsy, Encephalitis, Encephalopathy, Sleep Disorders, Nerve Entrapment or Peripheral Neuropathy.
Clinical Neurophysiology is an allied specialty to Neurology. It is primarily an investigative speciality; using computer, electrical, magnetic and electronic means of recording the function of the brain, spinal cord, spinal roots, peripheral nerves and muscle to diagnose disorders of the function of the nervous system. Clinical Neurophysiology is used to monitor the progress of the disease, the effects of therapy and the integrity of the nervous system during wake, sleep and some surgical operations.
The following tests are available:
Referrals
Referrals are accepted from primary and secondary care clinicians following the appropriate guidelines for Electro-encephalography (EEG) and Nerve Conduction (NCS) / Electromyography (EMG) investigations.
Waiting Times
Waiting times are currently less than 3 weeks for routine, sleep deprived EEGs and physiology – lead basic neuropathy screens. Urgent and critical care referrals are completed within 48 hours of receipt of referral. For all other EEG and Peripheral Neurophysiology testing including consultant led Electromyography, the waiting time is less than 8 weeks.
Results
Provisional results are available within 24 hours and formal clinical reporting within 5 – 7 working days.
Further information can be found on the North Wales Neurosciences Network website.