About our service
The Neurophysiology Services at Blacktown and Westmead Hospitals provides diagnostic testing for adults and adolescents aged 15 years and over.
Our services are available to both inpatients and outpatients.
We do not provide paediatric neurophysiology testing.
Services we provide
We offer the following tests:
- Electroencephalography (EEG)
- Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) and Electromyography (EMG)
- Visual Evoked Potential (VEP) (Westmead Only)
- Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SSEP)
- Auditory Evoked Potential (BAER) (Westmead Only)
- Tremor Studies (Westmead Only)
About our diagnostic tests
An EEG is a painless test that measures electrical activity in the brain.
Small electrodes are placed on your scalp to record this activity. A neurologist will review your results. Results are not available at the time of your appointment.
An NCS checks how well and how quickly your nerves send electrical signals.
Electrodes are placed on your skin over specific nerves, and a small electrical pulse is delivered. The response helps doctors assess the health of your peripheral nerves (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord).
This test may be followed by an Electromyography (EMG).
During an EMG, a small needle electrode is inserted into a muscle to record electrical activity at rest and during movement. This helps detect muscle disorders.
An Evoked Potential test measures the brain’s electrical response to a stimulus.
It helps identify problems in the sensory nerve pathways.
We offer 3 types of EP tests:
Visual Evoked Potential (VEP) (Westmead Only)
This test measures how the brain responds to visual patterns, such as a flashing checkerboard. You will be asked to focus on a circle in the centre of the screen while electrodes on your head record the brain’s response. Please bring your glasses or contact lenses if you need them.
Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SSEP)
This test measures how signals travel from your arm or leg nerves to your brain. Small electrical pulses are applied to a nerve, and the response is recorded from electrodes on your head, neck, and along the nerve. These recordings help identify where a signal might be blocked.
Auditory Evoked Potential (BAER) (Westmead Only)
This test measures how sound signals travel to your brain. Your brain’s response will be recorded using electrodes placed around the ear while you listen to a series of clicks over headphones.
This test measures involuntary movements or tremors. Electrodes will be applied to various muscles and movements will be recorded using a computer. In some studies, patients may be given brief electric pulses to the wrist or ankle.
How to access this service
You will need a referral from your general practitioner (GP) or specialist.
Ask your doctor to fax your referral letter to our service. Make sure your contact details (phone number and home address) are clearly included.
You will receive a booking letter by mail or a phone call to arrange your appointment. Your letter will include test instructions and any special requirements.
Costs
If you have a valid Medicare card, your test will be bulk billed.
If you do not have a valid Medicare card, you will be charged the schedule fee. Pay at the Cashiers Office before your appointment. Allow extra time for payment.
What to bring
Bring the following items to your appointment:
- Medicare card
- medications you need to take during your visit
- a list or boxes of all medicines you take, including herbal or vitamin supplements
- glasses, hearing aids, or mobility aids if you use them
- your carer if you need help with mobility or personal care
- the control unit for any electrical implants (if you have one).
Our clinicians
- Dr Sangamithra Babu (Blacktown Hospital)
- Dr Jonathan Baird-Gunning (Blacktown Hospital)
- Dr Robert Boland-Freitas (Blacktown Hospital)
- Dr Michael Fong (Blacktown Hospital)
- Dr Andrew Martin (Blacktown Hospital)
- Dr Susan Walker (Blacktown Hospital)
- Dr Nigel Wolfe (Blacktown Hospital)
Test results
A neurologist reviews and reports your test results.
Reports are sent to your referring doctor by mail or fax. You can ask for copies to be sent to other doctors involved in your care.
When visiting the neurophysiology department at Blacktown Hospital, allow up to 10 working days before returning to your doctor for results.
Contact us
Blacktown Hospital
- Address: Level 3 (main entrance level) of the Clinical Services Building, Blacktown Hospital.
- Phone: (02) 8670 5860 (Available Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 4pm)
- Fax: (02) 8670 5880
- Email: WSLHD-BMDH-Neuro@health.nsw.gov.au
Westmead Hospital
- Address: Westmead Hospital, Level 2 Block C, Opposite the Post Office
- Phone: (02) 8890 6097 (Available Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4pm)
- Fax: (02) 9633 3272
- Email: WSLHD-WESTMEAD-NEUROPHYSIOLOGY@health.nsw.gov.au