Neurology

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Mean Wakefullness Test - MWT
Neurodiagnostic/Sleep Lab, 319-398-6097

What is an MWT?

It is a test that consists of a series of four, twenty-minute “non-nap” periods scheduled approximately two hours apart. 

The patient is given four opportunities to document that excessive daytime sleepiness has been eliminated by treatment for their sleep/breathing disorder. Measurements of the interval from the start of the “non-nap” period to the first sign of sleep are measured for each “non-nap”.  

Why should I have an MWT?

The main reason for having an MWT is to document that a sleep/breathing disorder treatment is effective. This test is required by the FAA in order to give pilots the approval they need to return to flying after treatment for a sleeping disorder has been under way.

Procedure:

Scalp electrodes are applied to the head with special glue and used to record brain waves. Electrodes are taped by the eyes to record eye movements. Muscle tone is recorded from the chin and the heartbeat is also monitored. 

After hook up the patient is instructed to sit in a chair quietly. Patients are instructed to perform several simple tasks to document and check that all equipment is functioning properly. Once all the equipment is calibrated and checked the room lights are dimmed.

The patient is instructed to stay awake and not to fidget and use self-stimulating maneuvers such as tapping fingers, whistling, standing, walking, etc. to remain awake. The “non-nap” period will begin and will terminate after 20 minutes. Data from all 4 “non-nap” periods are used to determine the severity or lack of daytime sleepiness.

After the final “non-nap” period the electrodes and glue are removed form the patient’s hair. Any remaining glue residue will wash out after several shampoos. 

There are no side effects from the test. A neurologist will review your data and a formal report will be sent to the referring physician as soon as it is available. Your physician will go over those results with you and determine a course of follow up care for you.

Preparation: 

ALL PATIENTS: Please arrive with clean dry hair and scalp. Refrain from use of hair products such as hairspray, gel, oil, or mousse. Take medications as you normally would unless instructed differently by your physician. Refrain from caffeine the morning of your test.

Outpatient Registration:

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled procedure. Park in the Mercy Medical Center Parking Ramp, located at the corner of 8^th Street and 8^th Avenue SE. (The South Entrance into the hospital from the parking ramp is the closest to Registration.)  You must register PRIOR to your procedure.  Upon entering the hospital, proceed to Ground (G) level and follow the signs to “Registration.”  After registering, follow the signs to “Neurodiagnostic/Sleep Lab,” located on 3rd floor.

 

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