Electro-Diagnostic Services testing is critical to diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disease, causes of pain, tingling and numbness and the ability to study nerve and muscle function.

There are 3 Primary types of EDX Tests

• * NCV - Nerve Conduction Velocity
• * SSEP - SomatoSensory Evoked Potentials
• * EMG - ElectroMyoGram

NCV is normally the first test ordered. Other tests may follow “depending on the results” of the NCV test.

NCV is a NON-invasive test (no needles). The NCV test measures how well signals travel along a nerve and can help find the cause of abnormal nerve function. Signals are made to travel along the nerve by applying small electric pulses to the nerve at one site and recording the response at a different place along the nerve. The short electric pulses cause a brief, mild tingling feeling. The nerve's response is picked up by a recording instrument and then is measured by the technician performing the test. Several nerves may need to be tested, depending on the pathology.

SSEP is the second test performed if a Radiculopathy is suspected. This test is a painless test that checks the nerve pathways through the spinal cord. The nerve responses are recorded over the scalp.

EMG is the “needle” portion of the EDX exam that is inserted into several muscles to see if there are any suspected Radiculopathies. Most of our clients refer this test out. Patients with muscle loss or muscle dysatrophy are usually referred to a specialist for treatment.

Nerve Condition Velocity (NCV):

• • The NCV tests the speed of the nerve impulse as it travels down the nerve.
• • An NCV test evaluates the health of the nerve.
• • The information received identifies a problem area within the nerve and/or muscle.
• • The NCV is the most helpful test for diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and most other nerve related pain.
• • This test evaluates peripheral nerves. These nerves run outside the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and provide stimulation to the face, torso, skin, extremities, blood vessels, and internal organs. They are not protected by bone and are susceptible to injury and toxins.
• • NCS are used to help in the diagnosis of such conditions as nerve entrapments, plexopathy, peripheral neuropathy and radiculopathy.

ElectroMyoGraphy (EMG):

• • An Electromyography is done to find diseases that damage muscle tissue and nerves or the function between nerve and muscle.
• • An EMG measures the electrical activity in muscles. At rest, there should not be any activity, and with varied stimulation to the muscle, the activity level will change. Measuring this activity can help to differentiate problems in a muscle, nerves supplying a muscle, the spinal cord or the brain, which can cause paralysis, weakness or muscle twitching.
• • This test evaluates a specific muscle function. If there is nerve irritation, or a disorder that affects the muscle, then this test will discover why you have pain.

Things to do prior to the procedure:

Notify the physician prior to the procedure if you are taking any blood thinners or have any active infections.

Preparation instructions for EMG/NCV:

On the day of your examination do not apply any creams, oils, moisturizers, perfume or powders to your skin. Wear comfortable clothing. Please inform your physician if you are taking Coumadin® or have a pacemaker/defibrillator.

• 1. Let the your physician know if you have any implanted device such as a pacemaker or a defibrillator.
• 2. Shower or bathe with warm water the day of testing.
• 3. Do not use lotion, oil, hair spray, gel or powder after you shower or bathe on day of testing.
• 4. Wear comfortable clothing, but you may be asked to wear a gown.
• 5. You can eat, drink, and take your medications as normal the day of the testing.
• 6. Testing requires approximately one hour, depending on the areas being tested.
• 7. After the test is done, you can continue all your normal daily activities.

What can I expect on the day of the test?

Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) electrodes will be applied to your skin. An electrical stimulus is placed directly over the nerve to be studied, and a recording electrode is placed over the muscle supplied by the nerve. Brief repeated stimuli are administered to the nerve, and the nerve’s response is measured. You will feel a tingling sensation and twitching in your muscle.

The ElectroMyoGram (EMG) section includes a small sterilized needle being inserted in the muscles to be tested. There is some discomfort with the needle insertion, but most people tolerate this without difficulty. The discomfort you will experience is less painful than getting a shot or having blood drawn. You will be asked to relax and contract the muscles that are being examined. The electrical activity of the muscle will be measured and displayed as electrical waves on a screen.

You may notice some bruising after the needle portion (EMG). Ice to the sore areas can help with the discomfort and limit the bruising. Any time the skin is penetrated with a needle, there is a risk of infection, although its occurrence is very rare.

For more information about our Electro-Diagnostic Services testing or schedule an appointment, please call 407-622-PAIN (7246).