How can a NCS/EMG help?
NCS/EMG studies provide key information about peripheral nerves and muscle function.
The clinical electrophysiology department of Neurosurgery and Spine Consultants is comprised of physical therapists who are board-certified electrophysiologic clinical specialists trained to perform NCS and EMG.
A NCS, also called a nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test, is a measurement of the speed of conduction of an electrical impulse through a nerve. During the test, the nerve is stimulated with a small amount of current (this feels like an electrical pulse), and adhesive electrodes that are placed on your skin record the nerve response. This is repeated for various nerves and compared to normal values to determine if there is evidence of nerve damage.
EMG assesses the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them (motor neurons). Motor neurons transmit electrical signals that cause muscles to contract. During an EMG, a needle (very small in diameter) is inserted into a muscle and electrical activity is recorded. EMG results are helpful to reveal dysfunction within the nerve, muscle or muscle to nerve junction.