Neurophysiology is dedicated to understanding the functioning of the nervous system, from cellular and molecular mechanisms to complex neural network processes that impact behavior and bodily functions.
What is neurophysiology
Neurophysiology is the science that studies how nerve cells and neurons generate and transmit electrical signals that integrate to produce responses in the body, focusing on the electrical and biochemical aspects of the nervous system.
Therefore, it analyzes the interactions between neurons and other cells, as well as the way neural networks come to control the body’s physiology.
Within this field, a wide range of aspects is covered, such as the study of ion channels and synapses, the sites where neurons communicate, as well as understanding how complex networks of neurons give rise to sensory perception, movement, and other cognitive functions.
Neuron physiology
Neurons are the basic building blocks of the nervous system and communicate through electrical signals called action potentials, which underlie all neurological activity, from simple reflexes to complex cognitive processes.
To make this possible, neuronal physiology depends on communication between neurons, known as synapses, which can be electrical or chemical and represent a fundamental process for the functioning of the entire nervous system.
Clinical neurophysiology
Clinical neurophysiology is a medical subspecialty that applies neurophysiological principles to the evaluation of disorders affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems.
For this purpose, a variety of techniques are used, including:
- Electroencephalogram (EEG): a test that records brain electrical activity through the use of electrodes placed on the scalp.
- Electromyogram (EMG): measures the electrical activity produced in muscles and nerves.
- Evoked potential equipment: records the electrical response of the nervous system to specific stimuli, which may be auditory, visual, or somatosensory.
- Polysomnography: monitors multiple physiological parameters during sleep.
- Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM): support for certain surgeries involving the nervous system in order to avoid damage to neural structures.
- Magnetoencephalography (MEG): measures the magnetic fields produced by neuronal activity in the brain.
Neurophysiological conditions
All of these studies play a crucial role in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of various neurological and neuromuscular disorders. Some of the most common include:
- Epilepsy: a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent epileptic seizures and is often diagnosed with EEG.
- Sleep disorders: polysomnography helps identify sleep alterations such as insomnia, sleep apnea, or restless legs syndrome.
- Peripheral neuropathies: conditions that affect peripheral nerves, and electromyography is a useful tool for diagnosis.
- Multiple sclerosis: an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system; evoked potentials are useful for its evaluation.
- Myopathies: diseases that affect muscles and cause weakness or loss of function; they are identified with electromyography tests.
- Movement disorders: diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and other dystonias are diagnosed with EEG and EMG.
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons, and EMG is essential for its diagnosis.
Thanks to neurophysiology, it is possible to understand how the brain and nervous system coordinate behavior and bodily functions, allowing not only diagnosis but also treatment and management for people living with various types of neurological diseases.
Neurophysiologists near me
At ABC Medical Center’s Neurology Center, we have a team of highly trained neurophysiology specialists dedicated to providing comprehensive, personalized care for all your neurological needs.
Our clinical neurophysiologists in Mexico City (CDMX) are committed to your well-being and use the latest technology and the most advanced treatments to manage conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and more.
Fuentes:
Scielo, Sanitas, MedlinePlus
