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.
dipole modeling
Mathematical technique used to estimate the location and orientation of electrical sources in the brain.
ECoG
Electrocorticography; direct brain surface electrical recording using implanted electrodes.
electro-oculogram
A test measuring the standing potential between the cornea and retina through eye movements.
electrocochleography
Recording of electrical potentials from the cochlea and eighth cranial nerve.
electrocorticography
Direct recording of electrical activity from the brain surface using implanted electrode grids.
electrode artifact
Unwanted electrical signals in neurodiagnostic recordings caused by electrode-related technical problems such as poor co...
electrode impedance
The electrical resistance between an electrode and the scalp, measured to ensure optimal signal quality in EEG recording...
electrodecremental response
Sudden reduction in EEG amplitude and increase in frequency, often occurring at seizure onset in certain epilepsy types.
electroencephalogram
A diagnostic test that records electrical activity in the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp.
electromyogram
A diagnostic test that measures electrical activity in muscles and peripheral nerves.
electroretinogram
A diagnostic test measuring electrical responses of retinal cells to light stimulation.
epileptiform discharge
Abnormal electrical brain activity resembling epileptic patterns but not necessarily associated with clinical seizures.
evoked potential
Electrical responses of the nervous system to specific sensory stimuli, measured to assess neural pathway function.
F-wave
Late response in nerve conduction studies representing antidromic activation of motor neurons.
fasciculation potential
Spontaneous electrical activity recorded during needle EMG representing the firing of individual motor units, typically...
FIRDA
Frontal intermittent rhythmic delta activity, an abnormal EEG pattern suggesting deep midline brain dysfunction.
focal slowing
Localized abnormal EEG activity characterized by slower frequency waves in a specific brain region, suggesting underlyin...
GPEDs
Generalized periodic epileptiform discharges; bilateral synchronous EEG pattern indicating severe encephalopathy.
H-reflex
A monosynaptic spinal reflex evoked by electrical stimulation, used to assess spinal cord function and nerve conduction...
high-frequency oscillations
Brain waves above 80 Hz, considered biomarkers for epileptogenic tissue in seizure disorders.
hyperventilation activation
Provocation technique during EEG recording using controlled deep breathing to elicit abnormal brain activity.
hypnagram
A graphical representation of sleep stages plotted against time during a polysomnography study, showing sleep architectu...
ictal
Relating to or occurring during a seizure or acute neurological event.
interictal
Occurring or present between seizure episodes, when the patient is not actively seizing.