Electrodiagnostic Testing

Nerves and muscles create electrical signals that deliver messages to and from your brain. Sensory nerves deliver information about your surroundings to the brain.

Motor nerves deliver signals from the brain to activate your muscles. Injuries or diseases that affect nerves and muscles can slow or halt the movement of

these electrical signals. If you have pain, weakness or numbness in your back, neck or hands, measuring the speed and degree of electrical activity in your muscles and nerves can help your doctor make a proper diagnosis. This process is called electrodiagnostic testing.

Nerve conduction studies (NCS):

The doctor conducting the test will tape wires (electrodes) to the skin in various places along the nerve pathway. Then the doctor stimulates the nerve

with an electric current. As the current travels down the nerve pathway, the electrodes placed along the way capture the signal and time how fast the signal

is traveling. Although you may initially be startled by the suddenness of the stimulation, it is not painful and most people are comfortable during the testing procedure. The shock is similar to one received when you touch a doorknob after walking across carpeting.

Electomyography (EMG)

During an EMG, small, thin needles are placed in the muscle to record the electrical activity. When the needles are inserted, you may feel some pain and discomfort. The doctor will ask you to relax the muscle and to tense it slightly. The doctor will listen and watch a TV-like screen that broadcasts the electrical signals. You will also be able to hear the signal sounds as you move the muscle. When the needles are removed, you may experience some soreness and bruising, but this will disappear in a few days. There are no long-term side effects. On the day of the test, wear lose clothing, do not put any lotions or creams on the

area to be tested and do not wear any jewelry. Usually, you can get the results the same day of the test.

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