What is Neurophysiology? 

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Neurophysiology is a healthcare science speciality focused on investigating how the central and peripheral nervous systems function to help diagnose, monitor and manage neurological conditions. Practitioners perform a range of specialised tests, such as electroencephalography (EEG) to record the brain’s electrical activity, evoked potentials to see how the nervous system responds to stimuli, and electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction studies (NCS) to assess nerve and muscle function. These investigations help diagnose conditions like epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, nerve injury and muscle disorders and are carried out in hospital departments, intensive care units and sometimes in operating theatres.

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Neurophysiologists work closely with neurologists, neurosurgeons and other healthcare professionals. The role combines technical skill with patient interaction and offers opportunities to specialise, progress into higher scientific roles, engage in research, and contribute to teaching and service development within the NHS.

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How to become a Neurophysiologist?

 

Entry Requirements
To enter clinical neurophysiology in the UK, candidates must complete a two-year Foundation Programme followed by core training in either Core Medical Training (2 years), ACCS (3 years), or Paediatrics Level 1 (3 years). They must also pass MRCP(UK) or MRCPCH to apply for specialty training at ST3 level.

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Specialty Training

Specialty training lasts four years, with one year focused on neurology and three years on neurophysiology. Trainees are assessed through two knowledge-based assessments, and successful completion awards a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT). Early preparation, such as neurology rotations, Student Selected Components, or taster days, can strengthen applications.

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Subspecialties and Advanced Techniques
Trainees develop skills in advanced EEG, nerve conduction studies, EMG, and evoked potentials. Subspecialty options include intraoperative monitoring for brain and spinal surgery, monitoring during epilepsy or Parkinson’s procedures, and uro-electromyography.

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Life of a Neurophysiologist

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A Typical Week

A standard contract for a full-time NHS consultant is 10 PAs (programmed activities) per week. This is typically divided into 7.5 PAs for direct patient care and 2.5 SPAs (supporting activities), which are tailored to each doctor’s interest. 

PAs include direct patient contact, such as ward rounds and outpatient clinics. SPAs can include teaching, appraisal, audit and research. 

As part of their daily work, neurophysiologists often examine and diagnose patients with neuromuscular diseases during EMG clinics, report EEGs, and supervise technical staff performing procedures of their own in the department. EEGs are often reviewed and interpreted without the patient present. 

 

A typical day as a neurophysiologist

09:00-11:00: EMG clinic 

11:30-14:30: Intra-operative monitoring 

15:00-17:00: EEG reporting 

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Depending on the nature of the job and subspeciality, teaching and managerial duties might be expected. 

Most of the work is completed during typical working hours, which supports a good work-life balance. Out-of-hours services are common for emergencies in most departments, with over 25% of consultants reporting weekend on-call shifts. 

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Pros and Cons of a Career in Neurophysiology

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Research Opportunities

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Neurophysiology offers strong opportunities for research, particularly in advancing diagnostic and monitoring techniques. Trainees and consultants can explore innovations in EEG, EMG, nerve conduction studies, evoked potentials, and intraoperative monitoring. There is scope to develop new protocols, improve device technology, and investigate applications in conditions such as epilepsy, movement disorders, and neuromuscular diseases. Research can be undertaken as a dedicated year or alongside clinical work, with opportunities to collaborate with MDTs, making it a highly dynamic and evolving field.

 

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Future of Neurophysiology

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Traditional neurophysiology has largely been limited to small groups of neurons or single cells, but advances in technology and analytical methods are now enabling researchers to capture activity from many neurons simultaneously, opening new possibilities in mapping how neural circuits operate during behaviour and disease.

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This shift mirrors broader trends in neuroscience to integrate big data approaches, high‑density recording tools, and multi‑modal profiling techniques that combine electrophysiology with molecular and cellular information. Such large‑scale measures of neuronal activity aim to provide deeper insights into brain dynamics, network interactions, and the biological basis of cognition, and are increasingly relevant to both basic science and future clinical applications.

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