Our Services

As a leader of neurological services in Western North Carolina and the Hickory area for over two decades, Neurology Associates is committed to enhancing the health, well-being and quality of life of our patients by providing comprehensive neurological services in partnership with community physicians and hospitals.

We specialize in treating adult and pediatric neurological conditions within our eleven centers, which are located in our office on Tate Boulevard in Hickory, N.C. These eleven centers include: Clinical Trials, Neuro Diagnostic, Nerve & Muscle, Headache, Epilepsy, Stroke, Movement Disorder, Memory Disorder, Sports Neurology, Sleep and Neuro-Therapeutic.  Our services include, but are not limited to, treatment for the following: sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, headaches, seizures, dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, dizziness, nerve disorders, concussions and much more.

General Appointments | Complete Neurological Exams | Sleep Evaluations | EEG Tests| EMGs | NCVs
Trigger Point Injections | Botox Injections | PSG | Neuro Psyche Tests

General Appointments
The focus and description of General Appointments vary. If you would like more information about your appointment and what to expect, please contact us.

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Complete Neurological Exams
The human nervous system is an intricate and complex network of fibers that impenetrate the entire body and functions in complicated and often mysterious ways. Sophisticated imaging and laboratory tests do not always provide sufficient information about how the nerves are functioning -- or not functioning, as the case may be.

The neurological examination is a series of simple questions and tests that provide crucial information about the nervous system. It is an inexpensive, noninvasive way to determine what might be wrong. The neurological examination is divided into several components, each focusing on a different part of the nervous system, such as mental status, cranial nerves, motor system, sensory system, the deep tendon reflexes, coordination, the cerebellum and gait. The exam requires skill, patience and intelligence on the part of the physician, and cooperation from the patient. Incomplete or inaccurate exams can lead to incorrect diagnoses.

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EEG Tests
An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test used to detect abnormalities in the electrical activity of the brain. During an EEG, electrodes are placed on the scalp over multiple areas of the brain to detect and record patterns of electrical activity and to check for abnormalities

An EEG technician in our office performs the test. The patient lies on their back on a table or in a reclining chair. The technician will apply between 16 and 25 flat metal discs (electrodes) in different positions on the scalp. The discs are held in place with a sticky paste. Wires to an amplifier and to a recording machine connect the electrodes. The recording machine converts the electrical signals into a series of wavy lines that are drawn onto a moving piece of graph paper.

The patient lies still with their eyes closed because any movement can alter the results. The patient will be asked to do certain things during the recording, such as breathe deeply and rapidly for several minutes or look at a bright flickering light.

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EMGs
Electromyography, or EMG, is a test used to assess the health of the muscles and the nerves controlling the muscles. To perform an EMG, a needle electrode is inserted through the skin and into the muscle. The electrical activity detected by this electrode is displayed on an oscilloscope, and may be heard through a speaker. After placement of the electrodes, the patient may be asked to contract the muscle (for example, by bending their arm).

The presence, size, and shape of the waveform -- the action potential -- produced on the oscilloscope provides information about the ability of the muscle to respond when the nerves are stimulated. A nerve conduction velocity test is usually performed in conjunction with an EMG.

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NCVs
Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) is used to test the speed of conduction of impulses through a nerve. The nerve is stimulated, usually with surface electrodes, which are patch-like electrodes (similar to those used for ECG) placed on the skin over the nerve at various locations. One electrode stimulates the nerve with a very mild electrical impulse. The other electrodes record the resulting electrical activity.

The distance between electrodes and the time it takes for electrical impulses to travel between electrodes are used to calculate the nerve conduction velocity. Electromyography is often done at the same time as the NCV test.

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Trigger Point Injections
A trigger point is a portion of the muscle that has become a source of pain and dysfunction. A trigger point injection can help to eliminate the pain. While the trigger point is being injected, the patient may briefly experience the same pain that has been previously aching. Two to three days after injection, the patient should notice a decrease in pain along with increased freedom of movement.

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Botox Injections
Botox Injections are approved for treatment of cervical dystonia in adults to decrease the severity of abnormal head position and associated neck pain. It is also indicated for the treatment of strabismus and blepharospasm. Botox therapy blocks the nerve from releasing acetylcholine. As a result, the muscle spasms stop or are greatly reduced, providing relief from symptoms.

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Neuro Psyche Tests
Neuropsychological Testing is a series of tests that examine cognitive functioning, attention span, visual-spatial skills, auditory processing-skills, concentration, etc. They are used to measure the type and amount of cognitive deficits that a patient may have in order to help tailor the type of rehabilitation that would be most beneficial.

We value your time. Physician referrals streamline the appointment process, reducing the time spent in our waiting room. If you are in need of an EMG, sleep apnea test, EEG, NCV, trigger point injection or one of our other neurological services, contact your family physician today for a referral to Neurology Associates, or call 828-328-5500 for more information. We are conveniently located in Hickory, Taylorsville, Denver and Lincolnton, Western North Carolina.

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