New Patients
Welcome to NEUCOA!
Welcome to NEUCOA!
Please review the Sleep and Circadian Rhythm, Correcting the Sleep-Wake Cycle and EEG Preparation information. After reviewing the information, we have two videos for pediatric patients that can help prepare them for what to expect .
Please review the Sleep and Circadian Rhythm, Correcting the Sleep-Wake Cycle and EEG Preparation information. After reviewing the information, we have two videos for pediatric patients that can help prepare them for what to expect .
Sleep and Circadian Rhythm
Sleep and Circadian Rhythm
How does morning light help me?
How does morning light help me?
- Exposure to morning blue light (450-500nm) regulates your circadian rhythm by suppressing melatonin to keep you alert and awake during the day and releasing melatonin at night to help you sleep well. Blue light exposure from electronic gadgets after sunset delays the release of melatonin which is counterproductive to obtaining quality sleep. It is highly recommended to limit the use of electronic devices 1-2 hours prior to bedtime.
- Exposure to morning blue light (450-500nm) regulates your circadian rhythm by suppressing melatonin to keep you alert and awake during the day and releasing melatonin at night to help you sleep well. Blue light exposure from electronic gadgets after sunset delays the release of melatonin which is counterproductive to obtaining quality sleep. It is highly recommended to limit the use of electronic devices 1-2 hours prior to bedtime.
Why is sleep important, especially between 10pm-2am?
Why is sleep important, especially between 10pm-2am?
- People are in their deepest sleep in the earlier parts of the night. Deep sleep allows your body to regenerate and allows the brain to rest and recharge. If your brain does not get enough rest, it will not function optimally. Maintaining healthy sleep habits plays an important role in obtaining the best results from MeRT treatment.
- People are in their deepest sleep in the earlier parts of the night. Deep sleep allows your body to regenerate and allows the brain to rest and recharge. If your brain does not get enough rest, it will not function optimally. Maintaining healthy sleep habits plays an important role in obtaining the best results from MeRT treatment.
If I already sleep well, do I still need the morning light?
If I already sleep well, do I still need the morning light?
- Yes. Although you may be sleeping through the night, your sleep may not necessarily be deep or restful sleep. Morning light will help regulate your sleep-wake cycle and improve the quality of your sleep.
- Yes. Although you may be sleeping through the night, your sleep may not necessarily be deep or restful sleep. Morning light will help regulate your sleep-wake cycle and improve the quality of your sleep.
Do I still get the benefits of morning light if it is overcast?
Do I still get the benefits of morning light if it is overcast?
- Yes, the blue light penetrates through the clouds.
- Yes, the blue light penetrates through the clouds.
Do I get the benefit of blue light if I drive with the window down?
Do I get the benefit of blue light if I drive with the window down?
- Driving in your car with the windows down might provide some benefit, but we recommend 45 minutes to 1 hour of exposure to blue light between 7am to 11am outside, with no glasses or contacts covering your eyes.
- Driving in your car with the windows down might provide some benefit, but we recommend 45 minutes to 1 hour of exposure to blue light between 7am to 11am outside, with no glasses or contacts covering your eyes.
Will MeRT treatment be less effective if I do not get morning light?
Will MeRT treatment be less effective if I do not get morning light?
- Treatment is most effective when you have sufficient, good quality sleep. If your lack of blue light exposure in the morning results in poor quality sleep, then you may not respond to treatment as well as someone with good quality sleep. As such, we advise regular morning exposure to blue light.
- Treatment is most effective when you have sufficient, good quality sleep. If your lack of blue light exposure in the morning results in poor quality sleep, then you may not respond to treatment as well as someone with good quality sleep. As such, we advise regular morning exposure to blue light.
EEG Preparation
EEG Preparation
The Electroencephalogram (EEG) is typically scheduled for 45 minutes. Wash your hair the night before and avoid the use of hair products the day of the EEG. Shorter hair may be helpful but you are not required to cut your hair. If possible avoid braids or tightly worn hairstyles.
The Electroencephalogram (EEG) is typically scheduled for 45 minutes. Wash your hair the night before and avoid the use of hair products the day of the EEG. Shorter hair may be helpful but you are not required to cut your hair. If possible avoid braids or tightly worn hairstyles.
The setup takes about 10-15 minutes and another 10-12 minutes of recording the data.
The setup takes about 10-15 minutes and another 10-12 minutes of recording the data.
Your skin will be cleaned and prepared for the EEG. The technician will measure your head to determine the proper sized EEG cap prior to placing the cap on your head. The tech will then use a plastic tip syringe to introduce a water soluble gel to connect the cap and scalp in order to record the EEG. A small metal disc & ear clips will be placed on your ear lobes and chest.
Your skin will be cleaned and prepared for the EEG. The technician will measure your head to determine the proper sized EEG cap prior to placing the cap on your head. The tech will then use a plastic tip syringe to introduce a water soluble gel to connect the cap and scalp in order to record the EEG. A small metal disc & ear clips will be placed on your ear lobes and chest.
During the recording process you will need to close your eyes, remain calm, relaxed, quiet, alert and awake but not fall asleep.
During the recording process you will need to close your eyes, remain calm, relaxed, quiet, alert and awake but not fall asleep.
Adults:
Adults:
- Avoid alcohol the day before and day of your EEG.
- Get a good night of sleep, 7-8 hours if possible.
- Avoid caffeine, soda, etc. 4 hours before your scheduled EEG appointment.
- Continue with your prescribed medications unless told otherwise by your medical provider.
- Avoid wearing any makeup and remove any earrings on the earlobes.
Pediatric:
Pediatric:
- Get a good night of sleep, 7-8 hours if possible.
- Avoid caffeine, sodas, etc. 4 hours before the scheduled EEG appointment.
- Continue with prescribed medications unless told otherwise by your medical provider.
- Avoid wearing any makeup and remove any earrings on the earlobes.
- Parents of children with autism may benefit by additional preparation:
- Practice with your child sitting in a dimly lit room, closing their eyes while you slowly count for 30-60 seconds. You can also practice with your child by watching a video and pausing to count.
- Those with tactile sensory concerns may benefit by wearing a disposable shower cap while practicing step (1) above. Try to spend time touching your child’s head to get used to how it feels. If your child is very sensitive to noises, you might need to start with small steps:
- Sing songs “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” have your child/you touch their head. Take turns brushing people’s hair (i.e. a doll’s hair, parent’s hair and then your child’s hair).
Going for an EEG
Going for an EEG
Going for Treatment
Going for Treatment
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@neucoa.com
Once we have finished processing your forms, we will contact you to schedule an appointment.
We are located at:
813 Independence Blvd Ste B, Virginia Beach, VA 23455