ECG
ECG test checks for heart functions and signs of heart diseases. It is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart through small electrode patches attached to the chest, arms and legs. ECG is quick, safe, and painless. With this test, the doctor will be able to check a number of parameters eg:
- Check the pattern of your heartbeats
- See if you have poor blood flow to the heart muscle (this is called ischemia)
- Diagnose a heart attack
- Check anomalies such as thickened heart muscle
- Detect if there are significant electrolyte anomalies, such as high potassium or high or low calcium
EEG
An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test used to evaluate the electrical activity in the brain. Brain cells communicate with each other through electrical impulses. An EEG can be used to help detect potential problems associated with the brain. The EEG records brain wave patterns. Small flat metal discs called electrodes are attached to the scalp with wires. The electrodes analyze the electrical impulses in the brain and send signals to a computer that displays the results. An EEG can be done to confirm or rule out various brain conditions including:
- seizure disorders such as febrile convulsions in children and epilepsy
head injury - encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
- Brain tumour
- encephalopathy (a disease that causes brain dysfunction)
- memory loss or dementia
- sleep disorders
- stroke
- coma; to determine the level of brain activity
- Brain surgery; may be used to monitor brain activity during brain surgery
Audiometry
An audiometry test is performed to determine how well you can hear. This may be done as part of a routine screening or in response to a noticeable loss of hearing.
The common causes of hearing loss include:
- birth defects
- chronic ear infections
- inherited conditions, such as otosclerosis, which occurs when an abnormal growth of bone prevents structures within the ear from functioning properly
- injuries to the ear
- inner ear diseases, such as Ménière’s disease
- regular exposure to loud noises
- ruptured eardrum
Spirometry
This is a specialized test performed to evaluate the functions of the lungs and detect causes of breathing or chest problems
