Why Choose Southcoast Health Neurology?

Southcoast Health Neurology is a leading provider of neurological services across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Our clinical team consists of neurologists, neurosurgeons, physiatrists, neuropsychologists, and pain medicine specialists.

Neurological disorders can be complex and require lifelong care — our team of experienced specialists can help you every step of the way. At Southcoast Health Neurology we believe in providing our patients with comprehensive services, from diagnostic testing and treatment to consultation and condition management.  

Our goal is to serve the community with expert, compassionate care that is integrated with the latest training and knowledge of various neurological conditions.

We offer a team of highly experienced doctors (all with subspecialty training), who strive for excellence with their care, from evaluation and diagnosis to maintenance care and treatment. We are here for you.

Meet Our Team

Some of the conditions we treat:

• Epilepsy
• Headache and Facial Pain
• Migraines
• Movement Disorders
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Neurodegenerative Disorders
• Neuromuscular Disorders
• Stroke Care

Diagnostic Services

EMG (electromyogram)

A physician may recommend an EMG to determine if muscles and nerves are functioning properly. Electrodiagnostic medicine (the study of nerves and muscles) assists the physician in analyzing symptoms—numbness, tingling, pain, weakness or muscle cramping—and determining a course of treatment. The patient may experience problems in only one part or throughout the body.

Tests include nerve conduction studies and needle EMG.

Nerve Conduction Study

• Nerve conduction studies reveal how well the body’s electrical signals travel along the peripheral nerves. Small electrical shocks are applied to a nerve and the nerve’s response is recorded. There is a quick, mild to moderate, tingling feeling. It feels similar to an elastic band snap sensation. It can be a bit uncomfortable, but most patients do tolerate the test well.

Needle EMG

• During this procedure, a small, thin needle is inserted into several muscles to evaluate muscle response. The physician tests only those muscles necessary to evaluate problems discussed during the prior exam. The patient may experience a small amount of pain. The physician looks at and listens to electrical signals that travel from the needle to the EMG machine. They then use their expertise to determine the cause of the problem. New needles are used for each patient and needles are discarded after each test.

On the day of your test please do not use lotion on the limb(s) being tested. You may be asked to change into a gown to have better access to the muscles being tested. After the test you are able to resume your normal activities. You may have some slight discomfort in the muscles that were tested. Ice can be used, if needed. Any time a needle is introduced into the skin there is a small risk of infection. If you notice any swelling or redness please call the office.

EEG (electroencephalogram)

An EEG is the recording of electrical activity in the brain; it measures brain waves. It does not measure intelligence or “read your mind,” but allows the physician to study a series of small electrical fluctuations produced by the brain, which may allow the neurologist to look for evidence of epilepsy or other conditions.

Routine EEG

• To record brain activity, small disks or electrodes are attached to a plastic cap on the patient’s head, each ear and one to the chest. The examination is usually completed in one hour, with the actual recording lasting 20-30 minutes.  You may be instructed to set your alarm early enough on the morning of the to make it easier to fall asleep during the test.  Some patients will be asked to take deep breaths (hyperventilate) for 3 minutes during the test.  Some patients will be exposed to a strobe light (with eyes closed) lasting seconds at a time.  If you have concerns about this, please tell the technician.

24 and 48 Hr Ambulatory EEG

• This form of EEG allows the patient to leave the testing facility and continue their daily routine. The patient wears the equipment for either 24 or 48 hours, as ordered by their physician. During the test time, the patient keeps a written diary of activities and symptoms.  The technician may ask you if you are comfortable with setting up a camera to record you while you are sleeping.  If you are asked, please remember that you are not obligated to be video-recorded.  This is only to help the doctor interpret the recording.