What is electromyography (EMG) testing?
EMG testing evaluates the electrical signals from your nerves to your muscles. This test evaluates these signals when your muscles are at rest and during activity.
Nerve-related problems may delay communication or impair muscle movement.
What is nerve conduction velocity (NCV) testing?
NCV testing evaluates nerve conductivity, or how fast your nerve transmits a signal from one part of the nerve to another. Knight Neurology performs NCV testing to find areas where you have nerve damage.
Who needs EMG and NCV testing?
When looking for problems with nerves and muscles, Knight Neurology performs EMG and NCV testing at the same time. You may need these nerve conduction study (NCS) tests to determine the underlying cause of your:
- Paralysis
- Muscle weakness
- Pain that radiates into your arms or legs
- Muscle cramping
- Tingling or numbness
EMG and NCV testing may confirm or rule out nerve problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome, Guillain-Barre syndrome (an infection that damages peripheral nerves), or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (a neurological condition affecting the legs and feet).
The Knight Neurology neurologists have advanced neuromuscular medicine training, which is essential for high-quality EMG and NCV testing and interpretation.
What happens during EMG and NCV testing?
Your provider at Knight Neurology reviews what you can expect during your EMG and NCV test before your appointment. Your neurologist performs one test at a time.
EMG
For the EMG, your provider inserts a needle electrode into a muscle. Then, they send a mild electrical current into the electrode and record how your muscle responds. The neurologists perform this test when your muscle is at rest and then again after activity.
Your provider may test more than one muscle during your EMG.
NCV
There are no needles for the NCV test. For this test, your provider places electrodes along the path of specific nerves. Then, they administer a mild electrical signal into one electrode and record how fast the electrical signal moves along the nerve to the other electrode.
Your provider may test more than one nerve during your NCV.
What happens after EMG and NCV testing?
You can resume your regular activities after the test unless your neurologist says otherwise.
Your neurologist closely evaluates the recordings from your EMG and NCV and generates a comprehensive report and treatment plan. Then, you return to the office for a follow-up appointment so your neurologist can discuss the results of your test and treatment needs.
To find out more about EMG and NCV testing, call Knight Neurology or schedule an appointment online today.