The Neurodiagnostic Niche

The Best Kept Secret in Healthcare

Posted on April 19, 2022 by The Neurodiagnostic Niche

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It’s Neurodiagnostic Week! Seriously though….I think we need a whole month.

Most people have no clue what we do…It is honestly the Best Kept Secret in Healthcare!

This field had a staffing shortage long before it became a popular trend in other areas…and it just keeps getting worse.

A quick search on Indeed.com for ‘EEG Technician’ currently shows 1661 jobs openings in the U.S.

For those working in this field we know how interesting and rewarding it is…

Taking a patient history during the set up and quietly guessing to yourself what you think you will see on the recording.
That Wow! feeling watching the waveforms displayed on the screen…It never gets old.
If you are lucky enough to work around the doctors in charge of your patient’s care – inquiring their thoughts on the test and the opportunity to learn every day.

A career where you can work in a clinic, a hospital, an operating room, or at home…..How is it that such a versatile and dynamic field can have such a large national shortage of qualified staff?

That is why solving this problem will take a collective effort by the physicians, technicians, educators, administrators, and those who influence young people’s career decisions.

Some Fun Facts:

At the time of this writing there are 8350 Registered EEG technologists; however, 2000 of those were issued over 30 years ago. So in all likelihood just over 6000 working Registered EEG technologists (that’s .0018% of the U.S. population : ). Fortunately, there are many other qualified staff working in this field that are not yet registered or are currently working on getting registered. But it’s worth repeating – there are currently 1661 EEG technician job openings posted on indeed.com.
The EEG Registry exam was first issued in 1963 and in 2021 had a pass rate of 77% with Pathway III having the highest success rate. (reference: Exam Statistics on abret.org)
In 1924 Hans Berger, a German Psychiatrist inserted silver wires under his subject’s scalp (mostly used his children) and invented the EEG recording. He called it an Elektrenkephalogramm and first described the alpha rhythm showing how it suppresses when we open our eyes.
In 1937 the first hospital based EEG lab was started with a 2 channel EEG machine at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
The EEG may be the mostly widely administered test in Neurodiagnostics; however, many technologists are skilled to perform a wide range of testing including Long-Term Monitoring, Polysomnography, Evoked Potentials, Nerve Conduction Studies, and Intra-Operative Monitoring.

Even though this field is ‘the best kept secret in healthcare’ most all of us have been trying for years to get the word out.

Let’s Begin to Think About:

How we can mentor to new staff to improve our national registry statistics?
How we can support our National Society?
How we can communicate this field to local students?

This week gives us an opportunity to share what we do, but honestly – let’s take more than a week.

Not Just What, But Why

Posted on March 31, 2022 by The Neurodiagnostic Niche

Habits are More Important than Goals

Why do they call it rush hour when nothing moves? – Robin Williams

Ever feel like all you are doing is memorizing test questions and answers? Hard part about that is if the question is asked in a different way – you’re stuck! This way of preparing makes it really easy to get tripped up.

Understanding not just the What but the Why is important.

They can then ask the question any way they want and…You.Got.This!

ASAP practice tests are a great way to gauge what you know and what you need to focus your prep on…then make a plan to outline how you are going to learn what your missing.

Really learn – not just memorize.

Do one thing each day to create momentum:

Follow an expert on LinkedIn – engage in the conversation.
Take a lesson.
Inquire from your mentors.
Create an accountability group.

Do one thing each day. This might be a good time to reference an older post:

And if you need a little more help – take a peek at Your Year to Getting Registered Member Content on the Marketplace (just click here).

Take your Neurodiagnostic Niche participation to this new level with Member Only Content. This 12 Month Subscription (around $10/month) provides a monthly email to your in-box to keep you motivated and focused to reach your Registration goal.
Received during the first week of the month – a Study Guide with Resources and a Lesson Plan. Don’t miss this chance to take advantage of the 2022 Introductory Rate. If you struggle with staying on target for this goal – this tool could just be what you need to help stay focused this year.

Let’s Stay Curious and Grow What We Know

Pace Yourself

Posted on March 8, 2022 by The Neurodiagnostic Niche

“You can do Anything; but not Everything.” – David Allen

If this is Your Year to Getting Registered or just in general for any target that you set for yourself; it’s important to set goals you can actually achieve.

First step – write down a few simple goals:

Review the exam eligibility
Review the Content Outline of the Exam
Set a schedule for each area on the Outline

This is not an exam you can ‘cram’ for – you need an understanding of the material or you will just get confused when presented with questions…particularly ones that have multiple correct answers and they are looking for the ‘best fit’.

Your main goal right now is to build momentum.

Set habits to include board prep into your work day:

Review physician reports to help you start to speak the language and look up any terms you are not familiar with.

This repeated review will help you greatly in the long run.

Need additional support? Sign up to receive the monthly Member Content from this site. This 12 month regular resource will help guide and support you as you tackle this goal. Received during the first week of the month – a Study Guide with Resources and a Lesson Plan.

Don’t miss this chance to take advantage of the 2022 Introductory Rate. This 12 Month Subscription (around $10/month) provides a monthly email to your in-box to keep you motivated and focused to reach your Registration goal. Just visit the Marketplace today.

Don’t forget: Give yourself plenty of time to get things done – Pace Yourself : )

Let’s Stay Curious and Grow What We Know

2/22/22 Sale – 22% off

Posted on February 22, 2022 by The Neurodiagnostic Niche

Today Only (2/22/22)

Take 22% Off Everything in the Marketplace!

Click Here to visit Today!

Notecards, Study Guides, Lessons and more….Remember, this is Your Year to Getting Registered!

Keep It Simple

Posted on January 30, 2022 by The Neurodiagnostic Niche

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe

After the challenges of the past 2 years – Isn’t it time for putting new routines in place and some structure back into our lives…

If this is Your Year to Getting Registered – the discipline and structure will be what will take you over the finish line.

Last post was about having a Plan – (click here to review)

This week let’s put some things in place…

I’m a big believer that in order to achieve our goals, it’s super helpful to write them out. If you haven’t already done this – take a moment and put pen to paper.
Read through the ‘Starters’ section in the Resource Library for this site – It will help you outline when you are eligible to take the exam and then work backwards from there.
Start collecting your CEU’s – getting the required amount before you submit your application is no quick task – also, the material you will be exposed to will help you in this preparation process. There are a ton of free options that occur monthly – Start Here
Knock out each area in the Content Outline for the exam (Not sure where to find it? It’s in the Starters section of the Resource Library) Again there are a lot of free options…Quizlet, Pinterest posts on EEG, EpilepsyDiagnosis.org, etc…
Want additional motivation and lessons plans to help you stay on track? Sign up for Your Year to Getting Registered subscription pack. For about $10/month you’ll receive a monthly email with a Lesson Plan, Tips, a Q & A and Resources to help you stay on track. Just click here to order.

Email me if you need a tutor (RTompkins@TompkinsAssociates.com) – I would be happy to help!

Let’s Stay Curious and Grow What We Know

North Texas Neurodiagnostic Academy – Now Enrolling

Your Year To Getting Registered

Posted on January 9, 2022 by The Neurodiagnostic Niche

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“You are never too old to set another goal, or to dream a new dream.”
― C.S. Lewis

I think there is something so exciting about getting a clean slate to create whatever opportunities you want. This is one of the reasons why I am such a fan of a New Year – It’s a fresh start!

Even though for most of us working in healthcare…the last two years have been especially challenging – staying focused on our career goals helps us maintain that needed momentum.

If this is Your Year to Getting Registered:

Focus on the Process and you’ll continue to make Progress

Start with a Plan – if you have tried before be sure to Reflect back on what part of your previous Plan worked…what part didn’t.
Be Disciplined and Create Structure – Routines matter…
Make the Effort – Plan your day out in a manageable way – so that you can execute on your weekly & monthly goals.
Be Flexible – Life happens.

I want to take a moment to THANK You! for following along with this blog – I hope it has been a source of inspiration and resources for you. Keep checking back regularly or for blog updates in your inbox – just enter your email address at the bottom of this website.

But if you would like to take your participation in the Neurodiagnostic Niche Community to a new level – this year I am introducing a Members Only content section. Plan on signing up for the Monthly Subscription that includes Lesson Plans and Resources to help keep you on track.

Click here for the Introductory Rate and to Join Today.

Remember – This is Your Year to Getting Registered!

Let’s Stay Curious and Grow What We Know

Seizure Classification Quick Tip

Posted on December 18, 2021 by The Neurodiagnostic Niche

“Let perseverance be your engine and hope your fuel.” – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Wrapping up our series of Fall Quick Tips – this post’s ‘focus’ (get it? : ) is Seizure Classification.

Seizure Classification… Clinical Manifestations…Syndromes, etc…are all on the Content Outline of the Exam.

Being proficient in this area is not just for board prep but is also essential in our the daily patient care responsibilities.

For this topic I am going to point you to a website that summarizes this very well – it’s an Epilepsy online diagnostic manual called EpilepsyDiagnosis.org (you’ll also find this Quick Tip and more helpful links on the Neurodiagnostic Niche’s Resource Library).

It’s super user friendly…it’s comprehensive list of the epilepsies with detailed descriptions and some videos make this a great place to start.

You’ll find most all you need to know here.

If you find your self-studying approach could use a coach or tutor to keep you on track – just email me @ RTompkins@TompkinsAssociates.com

This post wraps up our Fall Quick Tips series – Stay tuned and be sure to put in your email address at the bottom of this web page to receive posts directly to your inbox.

We’ll resume at the top of the New Year!

But before we wind down 2021 – let’s take a moment to reflect back…

Did we accomplish what we had hoped to this year?
Were our goals within reach and did we do the work?
Was this Your Year to Getting Registered?

If so and if I can help in any way – just let me know!

Let’s Stay Curious and Grow What We Know

North Texas Neurodiagnostic Academy – Currently Enrolling

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Normal Variants Quick Tip

Posted on December 1, 2021 by The Neurodiagnostic Niche

“Things are seldom what they seem.” – W.S. Gilbert

Continuing with our Fall Quick Tips Series: What is a normal variant in an EEG?

Waves that are rare or unusual but not generally abnormal…

They are odd looking….they may be unusual in shape or in distribution…These variant waveforms are rare or unusual but are known to be generally benign. But that doesn’t mean they are not still interesting!

My favorite is the Mu Rhythm – I think it’s super interesting because of it’s relation to the Homunculus Man and it’s reactivity if you ask the patient to squeeze their fist or if you even touch their hand. The mu waveform, if it appears, occurs in the central regions in the awake patient…best seen with their eyes open. It’s often in the alpha range and can be asymmetrical.

A close second favorite of mine are Lambda Waves – Lambda waves occur in the occipital regions bilaterally as positive (upward) waves. They are triangular in shape and generally symmetric. They are most often seen when a patient is visually scanning something; such as, when they read.

Other normal variants include:

Wicket Spikes
SREDA (Subclinical Rhythmic EEG Discharges in Adults)
RMTD (Rhythmic Mid-Temporal Theta of Drowsiness)
BETS (Benign Epileptiform Transients of Sleep)
14 and 6 Positive Spikes
and there are more…

It’s a great area to review and become familiar with – many of these are really interesting and often mistakenly referred to as abnormal.

For more resources:

Visit The Marketplace on this site and look for the Waveform Notecards
Interested in tutoring or training Zoom lessons? Just email me @ RTompkins@TompkinsAssociates.com

Just remember:

What we are recording is the electrical activity of a highly complex system – so a variation is to be expected…occasional atypical waveforms that still fall within what would be considered normal is likely.

Let’s Stay Curious and Grow What We Know

Filters Quick Tip

Posted on November 1, 2021 by The Neurodiagnostic Niche

“Without a Filter, man is just chaos walking.” – Patrick Ness

EEG is no different than the quote above…our recordings would be chaos without them.

In simple terms:

a filter is a device or process that removes some unwanted components or features from a signal.

Mental Note: 30%

Thats the % to remember when asked about filters…

When a low-frequency filter encounters a sine wave that happens to be exactly at its cutoff frequency, it cuts down the amplitude of that wave by approximately 30%.

So since for EEG our LFF (low frequency filter) is 1 Hz – the amplitude of a 1 Hz will be reduced by 30%.

Key Point to Note:

Waves at frequencies below the LFF are reduced by somewhat more than 30%—Also, waves at frequencies somewhat above the LFF are also reduced in size, but by less than 30%.

So its more like a roll off than a cut-off.

See graph below:

The same is true on the other end of the range…when talking about the HFF (high frequency filter):

Since our HFF is 70 Hz – the amplitude of a 70 Hz will be reduced by 30%.

But this time:

Waves at frequencies higher than the HFF are reduced by somewhat more than 30%—and waves at frequencies somewhat slower than the cutoff frequency are also reduced in size by the filter, but by less than 30%.

Understanding filters is key to understanding what you are looking at on the tracing…it is also important to understand how your use of filters can alter the display.

Need additional help preparing for your boards? Check out the Resource Library on this site….or just email me at RTompkins@TompkinsAssociates.com.

Lets Stay Curious and Grow What We Know

Enrolling Now for January 2022 Start Date

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