Electrodiagnostic Studies (EMG/NCS)

Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction (NCS) studies are performed to look for nerve diseases that affect the proper functioning of the neck, back, and extremities.  There are two parts to the study and both parts are frequently needed in order to complete a thorough evaluation.  The first part, the NCS portion of the study, involves placing electrodes on the skin and using small electrical pulses (much like touching metal and getting a small static pulse) in order to study nerve function.

The second portion, the EMG, involves inserting a small needle electrode into various muscles in order to read the muscle’s normal electrical activity.  The needle is very small, like an acupuncture needle, and is only inserted for a few seconds.  There may be some bruising, mild pain, or most commonly, an itchy sensation in the area where the needle was inserted lasting up to a few hours after the study. 

Common types of conditions that are evaluated by these studies include carpal tunnel syndrome, “pinched nerves” in the neck or back (radiculopathies), or muscle weakness (myopathies). 

This test is performed by a properly trained neurologist or physiatrist (Rehabilitation Medicine Specialist) who has been trained and is experienced in the performance of these studies.  Results may indicate nerve damage from trauma, diabetic neuropathy, herniated discs, polyneuropathy (the simultaneous malfunction of many nerves), and other less common conditions. 

Shore Orthopaedic University Associates offers Electrodiagnostic Studies through our on-staff physiatrist, Arvind Baliga, M.D.