Neurocare FAQ's

Q: Does it hurt?

A: No. EEGs, TCDs and Carotid Ultrasound tests do not hurt. There is no pain and no discomfort with these tests. They record the way blood is flowing (like a stethoscope) or the “electrical” activity of your brain the way an EKG does with our hearts.

Q: What do the tests do?

A: A TCD measures the blood flow through the brain by bouncing sound waves off the vessels in the brain. A TCD is sometimes called the “Stethoscope for the brain”.

A Carotid Duplex (CD) ultrasound is a test for blood flow through the big arteries in the neck that carry blood to the brain. With CD and TCD we can measure both the blood flowing to the brain and then the blood flow within the brain.

An EEG records the electrical potentials from the brain in a similar way that an EKG records the electrical potentials of the heart.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: Costs vary from region to region, state to state and clinic to clinic. You can call your doctor to learn his/her charges. Usually the costs are much less than an X-Ray.

Q: Do I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

A: For a TCD or CD, there are no special preparations.  For an EEG, aside from your doctor’s orders, you should avoid any caffeine for three hours before the exam because often an EEG needs to record your brain activity while you are awake, drowsy, and during brief sleep, if possible.

Q: Are there any side effects or after effects of the test?

A: There are no side effects. There may be some ultrasound gel in your hair at your temples after a TCD or some electrode cream in your hair after an EEG which can be easily washed out.

Q: What does the test tell my doctor and me?

A: TCDs tell you about the blood flow in your brain.
CDs tell you about the blood flowing into your brain.
EEGs tell you about the electrical potentials of your brain.

Q: What can I expect to happen during the test?

A: You may be asked to turn your head, open and close your eyes, or perform a breathing exercise.  However, generally the patient is asked to lie still and remain quiet during the tests.

Q: When will I get the results of my test?

A: The results are usually in your doctors hands the next day. If there is a need for faster results, let us know and we can process you data more quickly.

Q: What is “Neurocare”?

A: “Neurocare” is a name our company uses to identify the tests that we perform for diagnostic purposes. Our other business is providing these tests in the operating room on patients during surgery. Neurocare offers our services outside the operating room for doctors, hospitals and patients who need diagnostic information about diseases and their symptoms.

Q: Who should I contact if I have more questions?

A: Please feel free to call the Sentient Medical Systems’ Corporate Office at 888-481-9185.

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