This refresher course re-introduces you to the range of mathematical skills required to perform tests within the Neurophysiology Department.

Basic mathematical skills are necessary in the operation of neurophysiology equipment.  We will briefly revise the most important areas including basic arithmetic, measurement, percentages, graphed data and basic statistical data.

Remember, to perform any Neurophysiological recording there are a number of mathematical situations you will find yourself in.  These include

• Allocating time for the test (estimations)
• Measuring the patients head (arithmetic, percentages, measurement)
• Impedance check (arithmetic, measurement, SI units and prefixes)
• Calibration (arithmetic, SI units and prefixes, measurement)
• Reading the recorded data (graphed data, statistical information, measurement, SI units, estimations)

The areas of research in alignment with ANSA Inc Competency Statements are:-

EEG Competency Statements

Core Knowledge

• Describe analogue to digital conversion recording techniques
• Identify bandwidth and frequency response characteristics
• Identify and explain the implication and use of frequency filters
• Explain the function and purpose of differential amplifiers
• Define common mode rejection ratio and understand its function and purpose
• Identify the recording parameters and how they differ from display parameters including sensitivity and filters
• Discuss the chemical and electrolytic process to chloride and de-chloride silver electrodes 
• Explain the measurement of impedance 
• Identify the importance of equal and low impedances in electrode application

Preparation

• Perform routine maintenance of equipment
• Prepare and check equipment is working according to manufacturer’s specifications. 
• Identify sufficient recording space for the recording

Patient Care

• Evaluate clinical and patient information on the request form noting:
  • age of the patient

Electrode Application

• Accurately apply electrodes according to The 10/20 Electrode Placement System
  • measure and mark the patient’s head according to The 10/20 Electrode Placement System
• Identify the appropriate electrode impedance for EEG
  • define the required impedance level for recording
  • measure electrode impedance 
• Perform calibration and machine check
  • define the value of the input calibration signal
• Define the machine settings used for EEG
  • define the machine settings including sensitivity, filters, display speed 

Interpret the EEG recording

• identify normal waveforms including wake and sleep patterns, and normal variants appropriate for age

Factual Report writing

• Describe the waveforms by means of
  • frequency
  • amplitude

Evoked Potential (EP) Competency Statements

Interpreting Data

• Identify the EP waveforms
  • identify normal waveforms including latencies and amplitude of the expected EP appropriate for age and normative data
  • identify abnormal waveforms including latencies, amplitudes, and side to side differences according to age and normative data

Presenting EP for reporting

• Present tabulated data (latencies and amplitudes) for interpretation