What is the field of Electroneurodiagnostic (END)
Technology?
Electroneurodiagnostic technology is a medical field in which technologists study the
nervous system in order to help physicians diagnose neurological problems. These tests
can examine activity in the brain, spinal cord, nerve roots, and peripheral nerves by using
cutting edge technology. The tests are completed by the END technologist and interpreted by
a physician specializing in this area, usually a neurologist.
Common electroneurodiagnostic procedures include:
- The Electroencephelograph (EEG) which records brainwaves to detect abnormalities such
as seizures or brain disfunction from injury or impairment
- Evoked Potentials (EP) which record peripheral and central nerve responses to detect
disorders such as multiple sclerosis
- Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) which test peripheral nerve branches to examine nerve
compression, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, or nerve malfunction, such as neuropathy
- Neurological Intraoperative Monitoring which monitors the nervous system during surgical
procedures that may effect the brain, spinal cord or nerves
- Polysomnography (PSG or "sleep study") which records brain activity as well as other
physiological factors to detect disorders of sleep or the sleep-wake cycle.
How are the technologists trained?
The field of electroneurodiagnostic technology is not new; the first brainwave recordings
were documented in the 1870's! In the past technologists were usually on-the-job trained,
meaning that there was no formal education other than by physicians and other
technologists. But the technology has rapidly evolved over the years and With the increasing
needs of the medical community, as well as growing technological capabilities, schools
were formed to educate technologists. These schools can now be accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education. At the time of this publication there
are twelve (12) schools listed as accredted in the United States. Upon taking board
examinations technologists can acquire credentials in the different areas of testing. There
are several credentialing organizations including ABRET which offers credentials in EEG, EP
and neurological intraoperative monitoring, AAET which offers a credential in NCS, and BRPT
which offers a credential in PSG.
Technology?
- ELECTRO meaning electric or electricity
- NEURO meaning nerves or nervous system
- DIAGNOSTIC meaning study or test
Electroneurodiagnostic technology is a medical field in which technologists study the
nervous system in order to help physicians diagnose neurological problems. These tests
can examine activity in the brain, spinal cord, nerve roots, and peripheral nerves by using
cutting edge technology. The tests are completed by the END technologist and interpreted by
a physician specializing in this area, usually a neurologist.
Common electroneurodiagnostic procedures include:
- The Electroencephelograph (EEG) which records brainwaves to detect abnormalities such
as seizures or brain disfunction from injury or impairment
- Evoked Potentials (EP) which record peripheral and central nerve responses to detect
disorders such as multiple sclerosis
- Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) which test peripheral nerve branches to examine nerve
compression, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, or nerve malfunction, such as neuropathy
- Neurological Intraoperative Monitoring which monitors the nervous system during surgical
procedures that may effect the brain, spinal cord or nerves
- Polysomnography (PSG or "sleep study") which records brain activity as well as other
physiological factors to detect disorders of sleep or the sleep-wake cycle.
How are the technologists trained?
The field of electroneurodiagnostic technology is not new; the first brainwave recordings
were documented in the 1870's! In the past technologists were usually on-the-job trained,
meaning that there was no formal education other than by physicians and other
technologists. But the technology has rapidly evolved over the years and With the increasing
needs of the medical community, as well as growing technological capabilities, schools
were formed to educate technologists. These schools can now be accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education. At the time of this publication there
are twelve (12) schools listed as accredted in the United States. Upon taking board
examinations technologists can acquire credentials in the different areas of testing. There
are several credentialing organizations including ABRET which offers credentials in EEG, EP
and neurological intraoperative monitoring, AAET which offers a credential in NCS, and BRPT
which offers a credential in PSG.
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The Indiana Society of Electroneurodiagnostic
Technicians and Technologists
Technicians and Technologists