The electrodiagnostic tests electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) assess the electrical activity of the muscles and nerves, respectively. These tests could play a significant role in the doctor’s evaluation of a spine patient. In addition to experiencing neck or back discomfort, some individuals with spine-related issues also experience inexplicable symptoms such as numbness and/or tingling, muscular cramps, or paralysis in an extremity. In order to uncover the cause of those symptoms, EMG and NCV work together.
When You Need EMG/NCV?
There is a good chance that there is an issue with your muscles or nerves if your muscles are weak or sore, or if you feel tingling, numbness, or any other unusual sensations. A few really good tests will provide you with the information you need to determine what is actually causing the discomfort.
An Electromyography (EMG) test and a Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) test are thorough and precise diagnostics that will assist your doctor in determining whether you have muscular or nerve damage. They are frequently carried out concurrently.
EMG system and NCV both determine how much electrical activity is present in your muscles and nerves during electrodiagnostic testing. They are essential answers needed to identify the root causes of nerve pain, neuropathy in the hands, neuropathy in the legs, or several other distinct types of neuropathy, such as peripheral polyneuropathy and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, among many other disabling illnesses.
EMG: What is it and How does this Work?
In order to identify neuromuscular problems, electromyography is employed. The diagnostic procedure evaluates the condition of the muscles and the nerve cells that govern them. The electrical signals that these nerve cells produce are what causes muscles to contract and relax.
A muscle’s reaction or electrical activity as a result of a nerve stimulating it is measured by an EMG machine. Your doctor can diagnose your illness by using the test to interpret electrical signals into numbers or graphs.
If you exhibit symptoms of a muscle or nerve issue, your doctor will request electromyography. The test gives information on how much muscle and/or nerve damage has occurred, in addition to assisting your doctor in pinpointing the exact site of the injury.
NCV: What is it and How does it Work?
To find damaged or dysfunctional nerves, a Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) test is employed. Calculating the rate at which electrical signals move through your peripheral nerves is a procedure known as a nerve conduction test.
The network of muscular and sensory nerves known as the peripheral nervous system connects the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. Outside of your brain, along your spinal cord, are these nerves. They assist you in exerting control over your muscles as well as in engaging your senses. Damaged nerves perform below optimal levels, but healthy nerves relay electrical signals more quickly and efficiently.
Your doctor will be able to tell if you have nerve fibre damage or damage to the myelin sheath, which is a fatty tissue sleeve that covers your nerve cells, by doing an NCV test. Additionally, the exam enables your doctor to distinguish between a nerve condition and a nerve injury that impairs the muscles.
Who Needs EMG/NCV?
Your doctor might be able to correctly diagnose your back pain as being caused by muscles or nerves with the aid of electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV). You and your doctor can talk about your treatment options to lessen your pain and restore function when a diagnosis has been made.
Nerve conduction tests and electromyography are essential for identifying a wide range of disorders, including but not limited to:
- Peripheral nerve damage
- Facial nerve damage
- Nerve damage in neck
- Nerve damage in shoulder
- Nerve damage in arm
- Nerve damage in hand
- Ulnar nerve damage
- Nerve damage in low back
- Sciatica nerve damage
- Nerve damage in leg
- Nerve damage in foot
- Diabetic nerve damage
At Neurostyle, we place a strong emphasis on giving our clients the very best evidence-based medical care possible. Our EMG and NCV devices are incredibly secure, precise, and dependable because of this. Also, our IOM system helps to decrease the risk of nerve damage and find other nerve functions. These electrodiagnostic tests enable us to create highly individualised and thorough treatment plans that start our clients on the path to recovery because they help with the diagnosis of a wide range of diseases. Additionally, individuals gain from a general improvement in quality of life when their nerve discomfort is relieved.