Deep Brain Stimulation
Deep brain stimulation offers relief to patients suffering from essential tremor and other neurological conditions that cause tremors, such as Parkinson's disease. The brain stimulator uses sophisticated technology to locate the specific target in the brain. The surgeon then uses the images and a test electrode to interrupt the pathway of the tremors and implants a small battery-operated generator that stimulates the brain to stop creating tremors. Deep brain stimulation was approved in 1997 for essential tremor or the tremor of Parkinson's disease. In 2002 it was approved for advanced Parkinson's motor symptoms. Patients in Europe, where the technology has been available for many years, report a significant decrease in tremors and a return to normal function.

For more information about deep brain stimulation please contact Linda Ramatowski, N.P., Deep Brain Stimulation coordinator at (916) 454-6850.

Visit our Health Information Library for more information on deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's Disease.

Electromyogram
An electromyogram (EMG) measures the electrical impulses of muscles at rest and during contraction. Nerve conduction studies, which measure nerve conduction velocity, determine how well individual nerves can transmit electrical signals. Nerves control the muscles in the body using electrical impulses, and these impulses make the muscles react in specific ways. Nerve and muscle disorders cause the muscles to react in abnormal ways. EMGs are done to diagnose diseases that damage muscle tissue, nerves, or the junctions between nerve and muscle (neuromuscular junctions). EMG may aid with the diagnosis of nerve compression or injury (such as carpal tunnel syndrome), nerve root injury (such as sciatica), and with other problems of the muscles or nerves. Less common medical conditions include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and muscular dystrophy.

Steven Knox, M.D. provides EMGs at Sutter Neuroscience Medical Group in Sacramento. Call (916) 454-6850 for an appointment.

Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital provides EMGs. Call (530) 888-4530 for an appointment.

Visit or Health Information Library for more information on EMGs.

Neurodiagnostic Laboratories
Establishing the nature and extent of a neurological condition is an important first step to receiving proper care. The Sutter Neuroscience Institute focuses on ensuring a correct diagnosis by using the latest equipment and employing more highly trained and registered electroneurodiagnostic technologists than anyone else in the region. These technologists work with specially trained neuroscience physicians, providing clinical expertise in evaluating neurological, visual, auditory and peripheral nerve conditions. The diagnostic team combines their expertise to adapt testing procedures for each patient and offers testing on an inpatient or outpatient basis. In addition, the neurodiagnostic team performs testing in surgical settings and monitors patients' neurological well-being during appropriate surgical procedures. Patients referred to Sutter for diagnosis of a brain, spine or nervous system condition can have confidence they are receiving the most advanced diagnostic testing available from a staff unmatched in skill and training.

Neurodiagnostic testing may include electroencephalagrams (EEGs), evoked potentials, EMGs, Nerve Conduction and Ambulatory EEG Telemetry.

The Neurodiagnostic Laboratory at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento received a 5 year accreditation by the American Board of Registered Electroencephalographic Technologist. There are only eight other accredited labs in the United States. To reach the Neurodiagnostic Lab at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento, please call (916) 733-8338.

Sutter Davis Hospital provides on-site EEGs. Call 530-747-5030 for an appointment.

Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital provides EEGs, EMGs and evoked potentials. Call (530) 888-4530 for an appointment.

Sutter Roseville Medical Center provides EEGs, EMGs and evoked potentials. Call (916) 781-1156 for an appointment.

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