Neurophysiology

Neurophysiology is the study of the function of the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves (nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord). It involves recording and interpreting electrical signals from the nervous system to help diagnose disorders.

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Team

Consultant clinical neurophysiologists
Dr S Mytheen
Dr S Ahmed

Professional Clinical Service Manager/Lead Clinical Scientist
Sally Walters

Chief Clinical Physiologist/Deputy Manager
Sawa Singh

Clinical Scientists
Rachael Falkner
Hannah Taylor

Clinical Physiologists
Dean Bromage
Helen Turvey
Kristel Acob
Alison Simons
Giselle Ang
Catherine Manley
Natasha Gutmanis
Katy Blackwell
Faizah Iqbal, Student Healthcare Scientist

Assistant Practitioners

Helena Camwell
Ragvinder Kaur

Healthcare Science Apprentice

Hannah Spencer

Admin team
Mina Patel – Medical Secretary
Laura Gibbons – Medical Secretary
Lynn Haynes – Senior admin support
Isabella Gianfreda  – Inpatient Co-ordinator/Service Manager PA
Melissa Lovett – Receptionist
Jaz Taylor – Receptionist
Amie Moore – Receptionist

Services

The newly refurbished neurophysiology department is based at City Hospital and offers a wide range of investigations for both adults and children who can be referred to our service by their GP or hospital consultant.

The following types of investigations are carried out by this department:

• EEG (Electroencephalogram) – Recording of electrical activity of the brain.
• Sleep EEG – An EEG whilst asleep either after sedation, sleep deprivation or natural/spontaneous sleep.
• Multiple Sleep Latency Test – A test to see how quickly patients fall asleep usually for the diagnosis of Narcolepsy.
• Ambulatory EEG – An EEG recorded over 24 hours or more.
• Home Video Telemetry – A prolonged EEG recorded for over 24 hours or more with video recording.
• Prolonged EEG with video monitoring –Prolonged EEG recorded in the department for up to 3 hours.
• Nerve Conduction Studies – Test to see how certain nerves are working.
• EMG (electromyography) – Test to see how certain muscles are working.
• Evoked potential tests – Test to see how your brain responds to light, sound or touch.
• Screening for damage to the peripheral nervous system (nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord).

Click on the patient information tab for more information about what these tests involve.

Patient Stories

I was initially referred to the department in June of this year by my GP for some Neurophysiology tests. I was amazed how quickly the appointment came through, and even more surprised how soon the date of my appointment was.

I arrived at the department and was met by a very pleasant receptionist. I was called in for the tests with very little waiting time. Hannah Taylor carried out the tests and was very approachable and kind and explained everything fully. I have had the same sort of tests in the past and could tell from the start she was very comprehensive in her explanation of the tests all the way through.

I was informed by the doctor at the end of the tests that he would like them repeated in four months’ time.

To my pleasant surprise I was recalled as promised for the repeat tests on time. This time Sally Walters did the tests. She was very caring and informative going through what the tests would consist of and said that I could stop her at any time if needed.

As she went through each test she explained to me what the test was and the sensation I would feel. I did think that if it had been the first time I was having the tests done she would have greatly put me at my ease, especially the part about the sensation I would feel, as I think that’s where the apprehension of most people lies. Sally was a very personable and competent lady and couldn’t have been lovelier and deserves to be recognised.

The doctor came in to see me part way through the tests and was very approachable, answering the questions I had.

All in all the whole experience both in June and this time was very positive. I couldn’t have had better treatment from the waiting time for my first appointment to the completion of my last tests. The department as a whole is a credit to the NHS, and if other departments need a model for restructuring, they need look no further than Neurophysiology!

Kind Regards,
Karen Cresswell

On visiting my GP, he suggested some tests at the Clinic of Neurophysiology and so he referred me – this was on 7th June. Having private health care instance I didn’t know whether I should wait for the NHS or go down my private route.

We heard from media friends and family the waiting times and delivery of treatment is not what we have expected from the NHS over the years. So many bad reports…Well here is an excellent one!

Within a week of the GP visit, I had a phone call from City Hospital to make an appointment. This was followed by a letter of confirmation for the 27th June. I had waited just 20 days from start to the appointment. How is that for NSH service? I’m well impressed.

The clinic was running late but I was kept informed throughout my wait by reception.

During the procedure at all stages I was asked if I was ok everything was explained to me in precise detail so I was well looked after – thank you Helen.

WELL DONE NHS. This could not have been quicker had I gone private or could I have been looked after any better. So thank you Department of Clinical Neurophysiology at City Hospital. You have performed excellently and exceeded my expectations.

– Carol Wells

Please feel free to share your experiences of this service. Please e-mail your views to swbh.comms@nhs.net

Patient Information

Patient information leaflets

Welcome to Neurophysiology at City Hospital ML4830
What is a sleep EEG? (adult)
What is an EEG (ML6532)
Sophie has an EEG (Electroencephalogram) (ML5018)
What is an ambulatory EEG ML5708
Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) (ML5572)
Nerve conduction study (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) (ML5573)
Pudendal Nerve Studies
Nerve conduction study (NCS), electromyography (EMG) and Evoked potential test (ML6011)

Contacts

Neurophysiology reception
0121 507 4319
Monday – Thursday: 7.45am – 5pm
Friday:  7.45am – 4.30pm

Departmental email: swb-tr.SWBH-GM-Neurophysiology@nhs.net

Appointment booking line and queries – 0121 507 4319 (9am- 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 4pm)
Medical secretaries – 0121 507 6037/6159
Senior Admin Team Leader – 0121 507 5667
Professional Clinical Service Manager – 0121 507 4433