Neurodiagnostics Glossary
100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
masseter reflex
An electrophysiological test of trigeminal nerve function by stimulating the mental nerve.
intraoperative monitoring
Real-time neurophysiological assessment during surgery to detect and prevent neural damage.
jitter
Variability in the time interval between two muscle fiber action potentials from the same motor unit, measured in single...
K-complexes
Large amplitude, biphasic EEG transients characteristic of stage 2 non-REM sleep.
lambda waves
Normal EEG transients occurring over occipital regions during visual scanning, resembling the Greek letter lambda.
late response
Delayed muscle responses following nerve stimulation, including H-reflexes and F-waves.
magnetoencephalography
Non-invasive neuroimaging technique that measures magnetic fields produced by electrical activity in the brain.
masseter reflex
An electrophysiological test of trigeminal nerve function by stimulating the mental nerve.
microelectrode recording
Technique using extremely fine electrodes to record electrical activity from individual neurons or small groups of cells...
montage
The specific arrangement and configuration of electrode pairs used in EEG recording and display.
motor unit number estimation
A technique for estimating the number of functioning motor units in a muscle.
mu rhythm
A normal EEG rhythm of 8-13 Hz over central regions that blocks with contralateral hand movement, generated by sensorimo...
needle electrode examination
The insertional component of electromyography using needle electrodes to assess muscle activity.
nerve conduction study
A test measuring the speed and strength of electrical signals traveling through peripheral nerves.
neuroplasticity mapping
A neurodiagnostic technique that tracks changes in brain electrical patterns over time to assess neural adaptation and r...
periodic limb movement index
A quantitative measure from polysomnographic studies expressing the number of periodic limb movements per hour of sleep,...
phase reversal
EEG pattern where a signal changes polarity across adjacent electrodes, indicating the location of electrical activity.
photic stimulation
A standard EEG activation procedure using flashing lights to provoke abnormal brain electrical activity.
photoparoxysmal response
An abnormal EEG reaction to flashing light stimulation, characterized by epileptiform discharges.
PLEDS
Periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges appearing as repetitive sharp waves or spikes over one hemisphere, indicati...
polysomnography
A comprehensive sleep study that records multiple physiological parameters during sleep.
postictal
The altered state of consciousness following a seizure, characterized by confusion, fatigue, and temporary neurological...
preictal
The period preceding a seizure, often marked by subtle behavioral or electrographic changes.
pudendal nerve terminal motor latency
Measurement of conduction time in the terminal portion of the pudendal nerve.
QEEG
Computer-based statistical analysis of EEG data that provides objective measurements of brain electrical activity compar...