FAQ

New Patients

  1. How do I become a patient?

    A referral must come from your doctor along with appropriate medical records.  Once the records have been reviewed by Dr. Shaikh, an appropriate appointment will be scheduled.

  2. What should I bring to my appointment?

    We request that all new patient paperwork be completed, the patient needs to bring to the office insurance cards, photo ID, and any appropriate radiology discs/films pertaining to the reason patient is being seen in the office. 

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Office Procedures

  1. What is an NCS/EMG?

    A Electromyogram (EMG) measures the electical activity of muscles.  An Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) measures how well and how fast the nerves can send electical signals.

    In our office, a technician will perform an NCS by using a stimulator to initiate several quick electrical pulses to the nerve.  Dr. Shaikh will then perform an EMG by inserting an needle electrode into the muscle.

    This test may take up to an hour to perform.

  2. What is an EEG?

    An EEG is a painless test that records brain waves. Our office performs both an routine EEG and an Ambulatory EEG. 

    A routine EEG takes about 1 hour to complete the entire procedure.  While an Ambulatory EEG takes about 1 1/2 hours to apply the electrodes to the head and is then worn home for either 24, 48, or 72 hours depending on the physician's order.  Each patient is required to have clean, dry hair with no products.  If an Ambulatory EEG is performed patient is requested to wear a tank top or t-shirt that will be comfortable wearing for the duration of the recording, a button-up shirt/zip-up may be worn over top.

     

  3. What are Evokes Potentials?

    At our office we perform 3 Evoked Potential testing

    1. Brain Stem Auditory Evoked Potential which is used to assess the   function of the inner ear and brainstem.

    2. Somatosensory Evoked Potential examines the pathways from the nerves in the limbs to the brain and is a way to study the function of the brain.

    3. Visual Evoked Potential is a test to examine the function of the vision nerves by measuring the signals

  4. What is an Transcranial Doppler (TCD)?

    A Transcranial Doppler (TCD) is a non-invasive study of the brain arteries using the doppler method.  This test is like an ultrasound of your arteries, a technician will use the instrument along your temples, neck, and eyes.

  5. What is a Carotid Ultrasound?

    Carotid ultrasound is a study to check blood flow and blockages in the carotid arteries that carry blood to the brain.

  6. What is a Holter Monitor?

    A Holter Monitor is a painless study that uses a machine to continuously record the hearts rhythms.  This monitor is usually worn for 24 to 48 hours. 

    Electrodes will be placed on your chest and connected to a monitor that you wear around your waist.

  7. What is a VNG?

    A VNG is a study to evaluate the function of your balance system.

    Video goggles are placed over the eyes to record eye movement that will provide information about your brains ability to coordinate balance signals, react to changes in position, and to determine the function of your inner ears.

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Preperation for Office Procedures

  1. What preperations should I take for an EEG?

    Please have clean dry hair with no hair products (gel, mousse, hair spray, etc). 

    If you are having an Ambulatory EEG you should wear a tank-top or t-shirt that you will be comfortable wearing for the duration of the recording.  A button-up shirt/zip-up may be worn overtop.

  2. What should I do if I'm having an EMG?

    Please do not apply lotions or powders on the extremities being tested.

  3. What instructions do I need to follow if I am having an VNG?

    Certain medications can influence VNG results, it is important that none of the following medications be taken 48 hours prior to the test.

    Antihistamines, sleeping pills/sedatives, muscle relaxtants, decongestants, cough/cold medications, nose or bronchial sprays, tranqulizers, pills or patches for nausea or motion sickness.

    At least 24 hours DO NOT consume: nicotine, alcohol, or caffeine.

    Please do not wear eye or face make-up and no lotion on the face.

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