Electroneurodiagnostic technologists use instruments such as an electroencephalograph (EEG) machine, to record electrical impulses transmitted by the brain and the nervous system. They help physicians diagnose brain tumors, strokes, epilepsy, and sleep disorders. They also measure the effects of infectious diseases on the brain, as well as determine whether individuals with mental or behavioral problems have an organic impairment, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, they determine cerebral death, the absence of brain activity, and assess the probability of recovery from a coma.

Electroneurodiagnostic technologists who specialize in basic or resting EEGs are called EEG technologists. The range of tests performed by electroneurodiagnostic technologists is broader than, but includes, those conducted by EEG technologists. Because it provides a more accurate description of work typically performed in the field, the title electroneurodiagnostic technologists generally has replaced that of EEG technologist.

Electroneurodiagnostic technologists take patients’ medical histories, help patients relax, and then apply electrodes to designated spots on the patient’s head. They must choose the most appropriate combination of instrument controls and electrodes, to correct for mechanical and electrical interference from somewhere other than the brain, such as eye movement or radiation from electrical sources.

Increasingly, technologists perform EEGs in the operating room, which requires that they understand anesthesia’s effect on brain waves. For special procedure EEGs, technologists may secure electrodes to the chest, arm, leg, or spinal column, to record activity from both the central and peripheral nervous systems.

In ambulatory monitoring, technologists attach small recorders to patients to monitor the brain, and sometimes the heart, while patients carry out normal activities over a 24-hour period. They then remove the recorder and obtain a readout. Technologists review the readouts, selecting sections for the physician to examine.

Using evoked potential testing, technologists measure sensory and physical responses to specific stimuli. After attaching electrodes to the patient, they set the instrument for the type and intensity of the stimulus, increase the intensity until the patient reacts, and note the sensation level.

For nerve conduction tests, used to diagnose muscle and nerve problems, technologists place electrodes on the patient’s skin over a nerve and over a muscle. Then they stimulate the nerve with an electrical current and record how long it takes the nerve impulse to reach the muscle.

Technologists who specialize in and administer sleep disorder studies are called polysomnographic technologists. Sleep disorder studies are usually conducted in a clinic called a sleep center. During the procedure, these technologists monitor the patient’s respiration and heart and brain wave activity. These workers must know the dynamics of the cardiopulmonary systems during each stage of sleep. They coordinate readings from several organ systems, separate the readings according to the stages of sleep, and relay results to the physician. Polysomnographic technologists may also write technical reports summarizing test results.

Additionally, technologists look for changes in a patient’s neurologic, cardiac, and respiratory status, which may indicate an emergency, such as a heart attack, and provide emergency care until help arrives.

Although most electroneurodiagnostic technologists currently employed learned their skills on the job, employers are beginning to favor those who have completed formal training. Some hospitals require applicants for trainee positions to have postsecondary training, whereas others only expect a high school diploma. Recommended high school and college subjects for prospective technologists include health, biology, anatomy, and mathematics. Often, on-the-job trainees are transfers from other hospital jobs, such as licensed practical nurses.

Formal postsecondary training is offered in hospitals and community colleges. In 1998, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Electroneurodiagnostic Technology approved 12 formal programs. Programs usually last from 1 to 2 years and include laboratory experience, as well as classroom instruction in human anatomy and physiology, neurology, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, medical terminology, computer technology, electronics, and instrumentation. Graduates receive associate degrees or certificates.

The American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists awards the credentials Registered EEG Technologist, Registered Evoked Potential Technologist, and Certificate in Neurophysiologic Intraoperative Monitoring to qualified applicants. The Association of Polysomnographic Technologists registers polysomnographic technologists. Applicants interested in taking the registration exam must have worked in a sleep center for at least 1 year. Although not generally required for staff level jobs, registration indicates professional competence, and is usually necessary for supervisory or teaching jobs. In addition, the American Association of Electrodiagnostic Technologists provides certification in the field of nerve conduction studies for electroneurodiagnostic technologists.

These technologists should have manual dexterity, good vision, good writing skills, an aptitude for working with electronic equipment, and the ability to work with patients as well as with other health personnel.

Experienced electroneurodiagnostic technologists can advance to chief or manager of an electroneurodiagnostic laboratory. Chief technologists are generally supervised by a physician—an electroencephalographer, neurologist, or neurosurgeon. Technologists may also teach or go into research.

For general information about a career in electroneurodiagnostics and a list of accredited training programs, contact:

*Executive Office, American Society of Electroneurodiagnostic Technologists, Inc., 204 W. 7^th St., Carroll, IA 51401. Internet: http://www.aset.org

For information on opportunities in sleep studies, contact:

*Association of Polysomnographic Technology, 2025 South Washington, Suite 300, Lansing, MI 48910-0817.

Information about specific accredited training programs is also available from:

*Joint Review Committee on Electroneurodiagnostic Technology, Route 1, Box 63A, Genoa, WI 54632.

Information on becoming a registered electroneurodiagnostic technologist is available from:

*American Board of Registration of Electroencephalgraphic and Evoked Potential Technologists, P.O. Box 916633, Longwood, FL 32791-6633.

Information on certification in the field of nerve conduction studies is available from: