EMG / NCV / NCS
Diagnostic tests are a critical aspect of identifying the root cause of a neurological concern. The information these tests provide allow physicians to create a treatment plan that addresses a patient’s specific needs. The NY Neurology Associates team works to provide each patient with detailed information about the testing process so that they are fully prepared.
EMG – Electromyogram
An EMG or electromyogram is used to measure how much electrical activity your muscles have both when they are rest and when they are contracted. These tests are often used to:
• Identify issues with the muscles, nerves or the areas between muscles and nerves.
• Understand and to address the root cause of feeling number, weak or having spams in the muscles.
There are two ways of doing an EMG, either through placing electrodes on the skin over the muscle in question or by placing a needle directly into the muscle. The EMG is then able to detect and record all of the information about the movement of the electrical activity. The results from the EMG can help to pinpoint if an issue is caused by an issue with the muscle, with the nerve or with the junction between the two.
NCS – Nerve Conduction Study
Nerve conduction studies or NCS measure how efficient nerves are in transmitting signals from the brain to the muscle. These studies may be done with EMG. Uses for NCS include:
• Finding and determining the severity of nerve damage
• Understanding and diagnosing the root cause of feelings of numbness or tingling
To do a NCS, an electrode is placed directly over the nerve in question. A second monitoring probe is also added that allows doctors to record how well the nerve is doing in communicating with the body. The reaction times are closely monitored to determine if there is nerve damage.
NCV – Nerve Conduction Velocity
Nerve Conduction Velocity or NCV looks at specific feedback on nerves that are performing abnormally. This test is done with EMG in order to identify how well the nerves are conducting electrical activities. Uses for NCV include:
• Diagnosis nerve damage
• Evaluating diseases of the nerves or muscle
To do the test, an electronic pulse is sent to a nerve. The nerves is the monitored to determine how fast the message can be passed along the passageway of nerves.