EMG and nerve conduction study.
Localize the nerve. Quantify the injury.
In-office electrical testing of nerves and muscles — the standard diagnostic for radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy, nerve entrapment, and myopathy.
Two complementary tests, one diagnostic study.
A nerve conduction study (NCS) measures how fast and how strongly electrical signals travel through your peripheral nerves. An electromyogram (EMG) measures the electrical activity of muscle at rest and with contraction. Together they tell us whether nerves are functioning normally, whether a specific nerve is compressed or injured, whether a nerve-root is affected (radiculopathy), or whether a muscle disorder is present.
Two parts: surface electrodes, then a thin needle.
For the NCS portion, small electrodes are placed on the skin and brief electrical pulses are delivered to stimulate specific nerves. Most patients describe the sensation as a sharp tap. For the EMG portion, a thin needle electrode is inserted briefly into selected muscles to record their electrical activity at rest and with light contraction. The needle is much smaller than a typical injection needle. The whole study takes thirty to sixty minutes.
For limb pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling of unclear origin.
EMG/NCS is appropriate for suspected carpal tunnel and other entrapment neuropathies, suspected lumbar or cervical radiculopathy when imaging and exam are not conclusive, peripheral neuropathy (diabetic and other), suspected myopathy, and assessment of recovery after nerve injury or surgery.
No restrictions. Results inform the treatment plan.
You leave with no restrictions and can drive yourself home. Mild bruising at needle sites is occasional and resolves in a day or two. The results are interpreted by the physician performing the study and incorporated into the diagnostic picture along with imaging and physical examination. The combination is what produces the right diagnosis.
Stop accepting the downtime.
A precise diagnosis is the start of every recovery. Schedule a consultation at any Triumph location.