Neurophysiology looks at how the body is working, particulary the brain and nervous system. A variety of methods are used to measure how the brain and nervous system are working, and the results are then used to make diagnoses and plan treatment.
Neurophysiology at Great Ormond Street Hospital
The department of clinical neurophysiology is based on Level 4 of the Southwood building. The department comprises four rooms for carrying out tests and a well-equipped waiting area. All of our rooms have toys for your child to play with and games you can play while your child is having the test.
There are three consultant clinical neurophysiologists in the department supported by clinical physiologists (formerly called technicians).
A consultant clinical neurophysiologist is a qualified doctor with at least four years extra training in neurophysiology. A clinical physiologist is a qualified technician with a degree, specialising in neurophysiology. Other members of staff include engineers, who are responsible for maintaining and developing the technical equipment needed to monitor the brain and nervous system.
All of our doctors are also members of a relevant Royal College, such as the Royal College of Physicians or the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, which is only possible after many further years of training.
We also have a number of administrative staff who are responsible for keeping the department running smoothly.
We work closely with the Neurology service to monitor children undergoing diagnosis or treatment for epilepsy and other brain disorders.
Other departments in the hospital, such as Ophthalmology and Audiology, carry out similar tests but to find out different information. We liaise with other departments to minimise any unnecessary repeated tests.
In conjunction with Koala Ward, we carry out telemetry monitoring.
