NERVE CONDUCTION STUDY & EMG

NERVE CONDUCTION STUDY & NEEDLE ELECTROMYOGRAPHY (EMG) EXAMINATION

Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and Electromyography (EMG) diagnose reported symptoms of numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, or muscle cramping.

Nerve Conduction Studies can help determine how well the body’s electrical signals are traveling to a nerve. During this part of the examination multiple nerves may be tested and small electrical stimulations are sent to the nerves to quantify the motor and sensory nerve function.

Electromyography is where a small, thin needle is inserted in multiple muscles in the arms or legs (or both). There may be a small amount of pain when the needle is placed, similar to acupuncture. The neurologist performs this part of the test.

These tests will not cause any damage to nerves or muscles and are very useful in determining function and response of the nerves and muscles. Complete testing of NCS/EMG may take approximately 45-60 minutes.