EMG/NCV Testing:
What You Need to Know
Introduction
If you're experiencing muscle weakness, numbness, or tingling, your healthcare provider may recommend that you undergo EMG/NCV testing. These tests are used to diagnose a variety of neuromuscular conditions and can provide important information that can help guide your treatment.
What is EMG/NCV testing?
EMG/NCV testing is a diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity of your muscles and nerves. The test is actually two tests in one: electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) testing. EMG testing measures the electrical activity of your muscles at rest and during contraction, while NCV testing measures the speed at which electrical impulses travel through your nerves.
The tests are often performed together to evaluate the health of your muscles and nerves and identify any abnormalities or damage.
What conditions can EMG/NCV testing diagnose?
EMG/NCV testing can help diagnose a variety of neuromuscular conditions, including:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Pinched nerves
- Muscular dystrophy
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Radiculopathy
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Myasthenia gravis
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
How is EMG/NCV testing performed?
During EMG testing, a small, thin needle electrode is inserted into your muscle to measure its electrical activity. The electrode is connected to a recording device that measures the electrical signals produced by your muscle.
During NCV testing, small electrodes are placed on your skin over the nerve being tested. A small electrical current is then applied to the electrode, which stimulates the nerve and measures the speed at which the electrical impulse travels.
Both tests are typically performed during the same office visit and take about an hour to complete.
What should you expect during and after EMG/NCV testing?
EMG/NCV testing is generally well-tolerated, but some patients may experience mild discomfort or pain during the test. You may experience some soreness or bruising at the site of the needle electrode insertion after the test.
After the test, your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you and recommend any necessary treatments. Depending on the results, you may be referred to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
Conclusion
EMG/NCV testing is an important diagnostic tool that can help identify a variety of neuromuscular conditions. If you're experiencing muscle weakness, numbness, or tingling, talk to your healthcare provider about whether EMG/NCV testing may be appropriate for you. With the help of this diagnostic test, you may be able to receive an accurate diagnosis and start the appropriate treatment for your condition.