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Who should perform EEG and NCS?

My neurologist ordered an EEG and Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) to be performed at her office and those tests were performed by a young technician that looked like a high school guy (18 years old). Is that acceptable? My neurologist was not present at all.

During EEG, he put me the electrodes in my head and left me alone during the whole test in a room.  I read that the technician should ask you to look at some lights or breathe heavily during the test but he just asked me to lay down and close my eyes. Is that normal?

During NCS he only put some electrodes in my hands and feet. He told me with those electrodes they can measure nerves from my face and thighs because I told him my face and thighs were really numb.

I read that a trained technician (who studied for at least 4 years) or a neurologist should performed these tests.

I'm in the process to rule out MS and MS specialist is only waiting for these test results to be released by my neurologist to give me an appointment but I don't know if I should trust those tests or not or have it repeated at MS specialist office.

Please share your experiences.
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Avatar universal
Thanks!
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Avatar universal
Thanks!
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1831849 tn?1383228392
Most tests that are noninvasive are performed by someone other than the doc. Invasive tests, like LP and EMG, should always be conducted by the doc.

Kyle
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3942401 tn?1374348349
I have never had an EEG but did have the NCS.  Mine was done at the hospital by a technician and then I got the results from the neurologist in an office in the next room.

I think it depends on the particular facility as to where it is performed and it sounds like your neurologist's office is set up for this.  The technician may have been older than you thought and just blessed with the fountain of youth.  I met a young guy once who appeared to be high school age but was actually in his late 20's.

You can always question the doctor if you think it wasn't done properly.

Good Luck

Laura
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