About the EMG/NCV Team
Pain, numbness, tingling or weakness may indicate problems with your muscles or your nerves. Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) tests evaluate function in the nerves and muscles to help diagnose and treat your condition. Our highly trained physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists administer and supervise these tests, analyzing the results to distinguish between nerve problems and muscle problems. Your test results will help your care team develop a personalized treatment plan and get you back to the activities you enjoy.
What is Electrodiagnostic Medicine (EMG/NCV)?
Electrodiagnostic medicine is the study of nerve and muscle diseases. Your doctor may order EMG and NCV tests to identify the source of pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in your arms, hands, legs and feet.
Electromyography (EMG) measures the muscles’ electrical activity using tiny needles inserted in specific muscles to evaluate the nerve-muscle communication.
Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) measures how fast electrical impulses travel through the nerves. Your doctor or technologist will apply small electrical shocks to your nerves and evaluate the response.
Conditions Diagnosed by EMG/NCV
Our specialists use electrodiagnostic medicine to diagnose any problem related to nerves in the spine, arms or legs. These include:
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Foot drop
Muscular dystrophy
Myasthenia gravis (MG) (test completed by a neurologist)
Pinched nerve at the elbow, shoulder or knee
Neuropathy caused by diabetes or other conditions
Pinched nerve in the neck or back due to a herniated disc or arthritis
Sciatica
