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What are nerve conductions and EMG's?
Your doctor has order a nerve conductions and EMG test for you. So what is it?
What is a Nerve Conduction Study?
Nerve conductions are a test that measures the quality of a nerve. It is a test
that can give your doctor a good idea of any neurological problems that may be
occurring.
So how is a nerve conduction performed?
The clinician will apply small electrodes onto the skin. A short electric
stimulus is applied to a specific nerve. This nerve stimulation will cause a
tingling sensation and a light jumping of the muscle. The clinician will assess
the electrical response of the nerve and determine if the nerve impulse is
conducted normally. A slow conduction speed or no measurable impulse can
suggest damage to the nerve.
How long will it take?
This procedure can take between 15-30 minutes depending how many nerves need to
be tested.
FYI:
Because this portion of the test utilizes electrical impulses, patients that
have pacemakers or other electrical devices do not have to worry since this
current is so low it will not interfere with such devices.
What is an Electromyographic Study?
This is a study to test the electrical activity of a specific muscle. It test
the muscle to see if there has been any damage to it as a result of a nerve
problem or if any disease process has involved the muscle itself rather than
the nerve.
So how is an EMG study performed?
A physician will insert a small very fine needle electrode into selected
muscles. This needle prick may cause a mild pain initially as it passes through
the skin. After that is will feel like pressure. The physician can determine
whether the muscle is working normally by viewing the electrical activity
displayed on a computer screen. Also, as the needle enters the muscle you will
be able to hear a sound like radio static. This is the sound from your muscle.
The physician can determine from the sounds and the electrical activity if your
muscles are normal.
FYI:
All our needles are disposable (single use only) needles are discarded after
use to prevent the transmission of AIDS, hepatitis and other infectious
diseases. They are not used for injections of any kind.
How long will it take?
On average, an EMG takes anywhere between 30 minutes and 45 minutes, depending
on how extensive a testing your doctor orders on you. It can be done at any
time during the day and, with few exceptions, does not require any special
preparation
The day of the test.
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You can drive yourself to and from the test, so you do not need to bring a
friend or a relative with you.
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We ask for you not
to wear any lotions since this can interfere with the tests.
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Please wear loose comfortable clothing. If you are have an upper exam performed
please wear loose collar clothing or sports bra for the ladies. If you are
having a lower exam performed please either bring or wear comfortable shorts.
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You may continue taking any medication prescribed by your physician. If you are
taking a blood thinner, you should notify the clinic staff. Blood thinners
including an aspirin a day can cause more extensive bruising during the EMG
portion of the test.
How soon will I find out my results?
The results will be calculated and that day. A detailed report will be sent to
your referring physician usually with 48-72 hours.
So what's the cost?
AMR Neurodiagnostic Center is in -network of most insurance plans. Medical
bills should not be a hardship or a worry. If, in the rare occasion, there is a
balance due in the end, our facility will always work with you to pay that
portion off. It is more important to diagnosis and discover the problems.
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