For more information about Electrodiagnostic Medicine use this link: American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine
The physicians, who are board certified in Electrodiagnostic Medicine, have passed a rigorous peer review exam and are highly qualified in their specialty. These physicians perform several types of tests to study nerve and muscle diseases including electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies (NCV), and Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEP).
Frequently Asked Questions about Electrodiagnostic Medicine
Q: What is Electromyography (EMG)?
A: Electromyography is one of the procedures used to study nerve and muscle function. It can be helpful in evaluating the causes of numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, fatigue, and muscle cramping.
The physician inserts a small electrode into a muscle to record the electrical activity of the muscle. The electrical activity of the muscle is picked up by the recording instrument and the physician then analyzes it by looking at a signal on the monitor and listening to the sounds the activity makes through the speaker. This test can help determine if there are abnormalities in the muscle or the nerve.
Q: What are Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)?
A: Also referred to as Nerve Conduction Velocity or NCV, these studies are a type of procedure used to study nerve and muscle function. This kind of study tests how well signals travel along a nerve and can help find the cause of abnormal nerve function. It is used to diagnose nerve disease or injury. 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 nerve’s pulse is picked up by a recording instrument and then is measured by the physician performing the test. Several nerves may need to be tested depending on the type of problem.