Electroneurodiagnostic Technologist

As an Electroneurodiagnostic Technologist, you’re part of an important team of medical professionals who diagnose and treat a variety of neurological disorders. Before the Neurologist can decide on the best form of treatment, he or she first sends patients to you, the Electroneurodiagnostic Technologist, for testing.

Sometimes known as an Electroencephalogram or Neurodiagnostic Technologist, you work with common ailments including Parkinson’s disease, head injuries, stroke, epilepsy, brain tumors, and damage to the nervous system or spinal cord. For your part as an Electroneurodiagnostic Technologist, you perform the testing that identifies these disorders. You might also monitor patients before, during, or after surgeries and other medical procedures.

This process involves not only the knowledge of how the diagnostic machines work, but also the ability to connect with the patient. Undergoing testing of this sort can be scary, so you’re ready with a comforting hand. You explain the process, answer questions, and offer reassurance. Then you prep the patient, attach electrodes to the head, and operate the machines used for testing.

While the equipment monitors the patient’s electrical activity, you monitor both the machine and the patient. You’ve been trained to deal with any emergencies, such as seizures, and watch for signs of any problem. You make notes on the printout to explain inconsistencies, such as a sneeze, movement, or talking.

Once you’ve completed the test and sent the patient on his or her way, you write up a report for the Doctor, clean up the equipment, and prepare for the next patient.