What is an EMG/NCS?
Electromyography/nerve conduction study is a test that records the electrical impulses of your nerves and muscles. The test uses small sensors, known as electrodes, that collect the electrical signals and translate the data into graphs and numbers. This information can give information about any possible nerve or muscle disorders.
Why would I need an EMG/NCS?
You may need an EMG/NCS if you’re experiencing pain, weakness or other symptoms that may indicate a muscle or nerve disorder. These symptoms may include:
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Tingling
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Cramping
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Numbness
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Muscle weakness
Testing can determine if you have a disorder or disease that causes your pain, such as a herniated disc, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), or a muscle disorder.
What can I expect during an EMG/NCS?
An EMG/NCS involves two types of testing procedures. In NCS, Dr. Waltrous places electrodes on the surface of your skin and stimulates along the course of your nerves. This delivers a low electrical current, which can cause your muscles to spasm or twitch.
The EMG involves the insertion of a slender needle electrode into certain muscle tissues. This test allows Dr. Waltrous to assess the electrical activity in your muscle while it’s at rest. It also determines the level of activity during muscle contractions that you create. In the EMG, Dr. Waltrous asks you to contract or relax your muscle during different phases of the test.
What happens after an EMG?
Immediately after your EMG/NCS, you can expect to go home right afterwards. There may be some minor bruising in the area of needle insertion that goes away in a few days on its own, ice can be applied to these areas to help with healing.
Dr. Waltrous reviews the results of your test and may recommend additional testing procedures for diagnostic purposes. If he’s able to make a diagnosis after the EMG/NCS, he can discuss his ideas for treatment with you based on your condition.
If you have unexplained nerve pain that interferes with your ability to stay active, request a consultation at Maryland Sports, Spine and Musculoskeletal Institute online or by phone today to learn more about the diagnostic benefits of an EMG/NCS.