What is a WADA test?
The test is named for the physician who developed it, Dr. June Wada. The purpose is to test each side of the brain for language and memory. The neurologist wishes to identify the side of the brain responsible for language, and to confirm that the side opposite the seizure focus (the unoperated side) can support memory. The procedure is performed by a specially trained radiologist, working with the epilepsy team. A sterile catheter is introduced into the femoral artery, near the groin area. The catheter is guided through the artery, past the heart, into the carotid artery on one side of the neck. An angiogram is then performed, using a special liquid dye to take pictures of the blood vessels of the brain on that side. Next, a small amount of short acting anesthesia is injected into that side of the brain. Within seconds, the opposite side of the body may become temporarily weak and numb indicating that the anesthesia is working and it is time to test language and memory. The neuropsycho
