by Helen B. Paslay, DNP, FNP-C, Paslay Health Care
Two tools called BrainView™ and VitalScan™ give healthcare providers more information about brain activity and nerve function.
What is BrainView?
BrainView uses a test called a quantitative electroencephalogram, or qEEG. This safe and painless test records the brain’s electrical activity.
Small sensors are placed on the scalp. These sensors measure brainwave patterns. A computer then compares the results with patterns from other people of the same age.
The test may show areas of brain activity that are different from what is expected.
Unusual brainwave patterns may be linked to:
- Attention problems
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep problems
- Head injuries
- Memory or thinking problems
- Some nervous system conditions
BrainView gives healthcare providers extra information that may help them understand a patient’s symptoms and create a personal treatment plan.
What Is VitalScan?
VitalScan checks the autonomic nervous system. This system controls many body functions that happen without us thinking about them.
These functions include:
- Heart rate
- Blood pressure
- Blood flow
- Digestion
- Sweating
- The body’s response to stress
The autonomic nervous system has two main parts. The sympathetic nervous system helps the body respond to danger or stress. It is often called the “fight-or-flight” system.
The parasympathetic nervous system helps the body calm down, rest and digest food. It is often called the “rest-and-digest” system.
VitalScan may use heart rate measurements, blood pressure testing and sweat gland testing to reveal information about nerve health and how well the body responds to stress.
Unusual VitalScan results may be linked with:
- Diabetes
- Nerve damage
- Long-term stress
- Heart and blood vessel disease
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Some diseases that affect the brain and nerves
How These Tests May Help
BrainView and VitalScan look at different parts of the nervous system. When used together, they may give healthcare providers a fuller picture of a patient’s health.
These tests do not replace regular medical exams, blood tests or imaging studies. They provide added information that may help explain difficult symptoms and track how a patient responds to treatment.
Healthcare is becoming more focused on the needs of each person. Tools such as BrainView and VitalScan may help providers notice changes earlier, choose more focused treatments and improve patient care.