Neurosciences - Back Averaging Test

Introduction

A Back Averaging Test is a recording of the electrical activity produced by both your brain and your muscles.

Why do a back averaging test?

A Back Averaging Test when combined with a history, examination and other nerve or muscle tests may help to diagnose a wide range of neurological conditions. Your referring consultant will be able to explain why it is important for you to have this test.

How is a back averaging test performed?

Small electrodes are placed on your head and over one muscle (usually the arms, depending upon which of your muscles are jerking or twitching of their own accord). Once the electrodes are applied, you rest on a couch where the test is performed with eyes closed. Having your eyes closed shows up the brain activity that we are most interested in.

We hope to record over a 100 muscle twitches and at the very least 50 for the test to be useful. This can take all morning or afternoon depending on how often your muscles are twitching and how well we can record them with our equipment.

Please contact us if your twitches are occurring less than 20 per hour.

What are the side effects and risks?

There are no side effects or risks to having a Back Averaging Test and it is painless.

What happens if I decide to have a back averaging test?

You will have the opportunity to ask the technician questions about the information in this leaflet before you decide whether or not to have the test. There will be no need for you to sign a formal consent form. As soon as you agree to the test we can begin. The entire procedure takes 2-3 hours.

Please do not wear any hair gel, oils or applications on the day of the test. Recent (within the week) hair colours or perms may interfere with the test.

On the day of the test please avoid using sun barrier and other types of skin cream. Please have a bath or shower the night before your test. Short sleeves and loose-fitting clothes make it easier to examine the arms/legs.

What happens if I decide not to have a back averaging test?

Your referring consultant will need to discuss the likely consequences of this decision. For example, he/she may find it more difficult to diagnose and/or treat your condition.

Is there anything else I should know?

• Please arrive in good time for your appointment
• If you think you will be late please ring us as soon as possible. It may be necessary to re-book another appointment for you
• Parking can be difficult - please allow for this, it can take up to 40 minutes to park depending upon how busy the hospital is.  Please park on the East Car Park on Stott Lane which is closest (5– 10-minute walk) to our department. There is a charge for car parking which can be paid for by card or by coins. Parking information and site map are available online at: www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk
• This test is safe in pregnancy
• You may eat and drink normally before your test
• This test can’t read your thoughts or emotions
• Please note there are no facilities for childcare while you are having your test and children are not permitted in the clinic room
• If you require ambulance transport you should contact your own GP to make the arrangements. Please let us know if you will be coming by ambulance transport
• You may be invited back to have further tests if the consultant in our department or your referring doctor/consultant thinks that a repeat test or a different test may be helpful
• In this case you may receive an appointment for another test before seeing your referring doctor/consultant for the results of your first test. The main reason for this is to save time and inconvenience for you

Contact details

Telephone: 0161 206 2068
Email: reftoneurophys@nca.nhs.uk
Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Greater Manchester Neurosciences Centre, Salford Royal Hospital, Stott Lane, Salford, M6 8HD.
Please telephone the department as soon as possible if you need to change or cancel your appointment. This ensures that waiting lists are kept to a minimum for everybody.