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Definition - What does Electrophysiology mean?

Electrophysiology is the field of neuroscience which examines electrical activity in living creatures. The many parts of the human body, including cells and neurons, transmit signals using chemical and electrical means. Electrophysiology involves the study of the body's electrical transmissions.

Electrophysiology studies are sometimes called nerve conduction studies (NCS) because they examine the passage of electrical currents through nerve and muscle cells. By detecting the passage of these electrical impulses, medical professionals can evaluate how well the body's signalling system is performing.

SureHire explains Electrophysiology

Various electrophysical procedures have been developed to allow medical professionals to analyze and diagnose physical and neurological conditions. For example, an electrophysiology study (EP) may be used to diagnose heart arrhythmias or other cardiac conditions. Electrophysiology studies are also used to evaluate neuromuscular conditions such as multiple sclerosis and post-stroke recovery. The process is also used to evaluate and diagnose sleep disorders and seizure-related disorders such as epilepsy.

To perform an electrophysiology study, medical professionals will attach electrodes to the patient. These electrodes are then attached to a monitoring device which can record and analyze the data received. During some forms of testing, such as a heart EP, a physician may stimulate areas of the body by sending electrical pulses through a catheter to assess how the body responds.