The Indiana Society of Electroneurodiagnostic Technologists and Technicians

What is the field of Electroneurodiagnostic (END) Technology?

Electro = electric   Neuro = nerves or nervous system   Diagnostic = 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 END procedures

- 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

- Intraoperative Neuro Monitoring (IONM) 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 END 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. There are very few of these schools in the United States but we Hoosiers are lucky to have one in Indianapolis at IU Health. 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, long-term epilepsy monitoring and neurological intraoperative monitoring, AAET which offers a credential in NCS, and BRPT which offers a credential in PSG.

For more information about END schools and credentialing check out the links on the resources page.