EMG Testing and NCS Testing in Lancaster, CA

January 2, 2024

Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) in Lancaster, CA

Electro-diagnostic studies such as an electromyogram (EMG) and nerve conduction study (NCS) are procedures that evaluate the health of the muscles and nerves (motor neurons) that control them. Motor neurons are nerve cells that transmit electrical signals from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and cause the muscles to relax and contract. This transmission allows for movement of the muscles.

Nerve Conduction

An NCS is part of an electromyogram study and is performed prior to the EMG. This study uses electrode stickers applied to the skin to evaluate how well the motor neurons communicate with the muscle.

Electromyography

Following an NCS, an EMG is then performed. The doctor will clean the desired areas of the skin with an antiseptic. Then a needle electrode is inserted into the muscle tissue. Slight discomfort may result while the needle is being inserted. The electrode measures how well it responds to those signals and records the electrical activity in that muscle when it is contracted and when at rest. The electrodes translate the electrical activity into graphs, sounds or numerical values that are interpreted by the doctor. The findings of an EMG study can reveal nerve dysfunction, muscle dysfunction or problems with nerve-to-muscle transmission.

An EMG and NCS are procedures commonly performed in a medical office setting. The patient lies down on an examination table or reclined chair to perform the study. The doctor may have the patient move into different positions during the study. When the studies are completed the electrodes will be removed. The study can take from 30 to 60 minutes depending on how many extremities are being tested.

Reasons For Testing

An EMG/NCS may help diagnose a muscle or nerve disorder and may be ordered for the following:

Tingling

Numbness

Muscle weakness, atrophy, pain, cramping

Paralysis

Involuntary muscle twitching

Possible Underlying Diagnoses: Some causes that an EMG/NCS may detect are as follows:

Muscle disorders (e.g. muscular dystrophy)

Radiculopathies

Motor neuron disorders (e.g. myasthenia gravis)

Peripheral nerve disorders (e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome)

Major nerve disorders (e.g. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / ALS)

What is an Electromyogram (EMG) with nerve conduction study (NCS)?

EMG with NCS is a form of electrodiagnostic testing performed at AVORS MEDICAL GROUP used to study nerve and muscle function. It is commonly performed by a physiatrist (a physician trained in physical medicine and rehabilitation) who has been trained extensively in interpretation of the data collected from these diagnostic studies. An EMG with NCS test is often described as an extension of the physician’s examination and can provide additional details regarding the health of particular nerves, especially those prone to compression at certain places along their natural course in our bodies.

An EMG/NCS is often performed when patients have unexplained symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or radiating pain in their arms or legs. These symptoms when present alongside neck pain and/or lower back pain may indicate nerve compression at these anatomic locations or could also indicate entrapment of nerves further along their course such as at the elbow, wrist, or knee. This test may also be helpful in localizing the anatomic location of nerve injury following an accident. By further understanding what is causing these symptoms, doctors are able to provide treatment that is more accurate and targeted for success.

AVORS Medical Group and Dr. Orlando Pena offer special diagnostic testing called Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS).

To learn more about Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)AVORS, click on the following link

https://www.avorsmedgroup.com/electro-diagnostic-studies-EMG

To learn more about our Antelope Valley Best Award Winning Provider, click on the following Link

www.avorsmedgroup.com/orlando-pena

Call AVORS Medical Group at 661-726-5005 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Orlando Pena, D.O.

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