Blythedale Children’s Hospital is pleased to offer a wide range of diagnostic services and programs, offered on-site for the convenience of our patients and their families.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is available to selected patients. Biofeedback has proven useful in the treatment of cerebral palsy, stroke, other upper motor neuron conditions, and various pain syndromes.
Prosthetic/Orthotic Clinic
The Prosthetic/Orthotic Clinic offers comprehensive evaluation and prescription for a broad variety of orthotic/prosthetic devices. Rehabilitation Medicine physicians work closely with orthotists and prosthetists, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and social workers to ensure that children receive the recommended equipment. The clinic is well known for its innovative orthotic designs. We are a member of ACPOC (Association of Children's Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics).
Equipment Clinic
Equipment clinic evaluates and orders wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, and any other durable medical equipment (DME) that might be needed by our patients. Assistance and follow-up service is provided for all stages from placing an initial order to through delivery to follow-up assessment.
Cardiac Stress Testing/Exercise Physiology/Echocardiography
Cardiac stress testing and exercise physiology examine the function of the heart in a situation that places physical demands on the heart. Monitoring is non-invasive utilizing an electrocardiogram and monitoring of respiratory function.
Electrophysiology
Electrophysiology examines nerve conduction, muscle function and cortical electrical activity. These tests are scheduled through the outpatient department.
- ABR: Auditory brainstem responses measure the response of the auditory nerve and auditory conduction through the brainstem.
- Cortical visual assessment: Noninvasive specialized visual evoked potentials as well as preferential looking techniques can provide a measure of acuity in nonverbal patients.
- EEG is a noninvasive test that measure cortical electrical activity. It is useful in evaluating cerebral organization and seizure disorders. Video EEGs offer prolonged cortical recording with simultaneous video and are helpful in the evaluation of seizure. Sleep studies combine cortical EEG recording with measurements of respiration to evaluate apnea and sleep disorders.
- EMG/NCV: These electrodiagnostic tests provide information about the function of the motor and sensory neurons, the nerve roots, the brachial and lumbar plexi, the peripheral nerves, and muscles. Etiologies of clinical problems of weakness, atrophy, fatigability, pain, numbness, and paresthesias can be investigated by these methods.
- VEP: Visual evoked potential tests measure cortical response to visual stimuli and can provide information about speed of conduction and integrity of the visual pathway.
Radiology
The Radiology Department offers diagnostic x-ray and ultrasound. Referrals may be made by physicians, dentists or other Licensed Independent Practitioners and should be accompanied by a brief history and specific indications for the examination.
