EMG NCV and other details for patients

Overview of EMG NCV and other tests

• EMG (ElectroMyoGraphy) – Neurophysician performs an EMG test to evaluate and record electrical activity of skeletal muscles. The signals can be analyzed to diagnose various neuropathies (nerve diseases), myopathies (muscle diseases) and neuromuscular junction disorders. EMG is typically performed by inserting a very fine needle into the muscles to be tested.
• NCS (Nerve Conduction Studies) – Neurophysician performs NCS, an electro-diagnostic test, to study the function, especially electrical conduction, of motor and sensory nerves of the body. Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) is a common measurement of the study. It involves electrical stimulation of peripheral/motor nerve and recording the signal at the muscle supplied by the nerve or at the sensory portion of the nerve. NCS is done to evaluate numbness, tingling, burning and/or weakness of arms/legs. Common disorders that can be diagnosed through NCS are carpal tunnel syndrome, Gullian Barre Syndrome (GBS), peripheral and ulnar neuropathies and radiculopathy (spinal disk herniation).
• RNS (Repetitive Nerve Stimulation) – RNS is a test performed to diagnose problems related to the neuromuscular junction and involves repetitive stimulation of the muscles before and after exercising them. It is used to diagnose disorders such as Myasthenia Gravis.
• VEP (Visual Evoked Potential) – VEPs are used primarily to measure the functional integrity of the visual pathways from retina via the optic nerves to the visual cortex of the brain. It involves providing a visual stimulus and measuring it at specific locations on the head.
• SSEP (SomatoSensory Evoked Potential) – SSEP are used by neurologist to measure the functional integrity of the nerves from the arms or the legs to the brain. It involves providing an electrical stimulus to the arm or leg and measuring it at specific locations along the neural axis.
• BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) – BAER detects electrical activity in the auditory (hearing) pathways of the brain and are used to diagnose various nervous system problems and hearing loss.
• Autonomic Testing helps diagnose problems related to body functions managed through autonomic control such as heart rate variability, sweating, etc.