Nerve Tests

What are nerve tests?

There are two main types of nerve tests:

Electromyogram

An electromyogram (EMG) measures the electrical signals passing through your muscles.

Nerve conduction velocity tests

Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) tests stimulate specific nerves to determine the speed and efficiency of their responses.

If Dr. Malik performs nerve testing, he typically does both EMG and NCV procedures. Using the information from your nerve tests, Dr. Malik can confirm which nerves are responsible for your symptoms.

Why would I need nerve tests?

You might need nerve tests if you have symptoms that indicate a problem with one or more nerves. In addition to pain, symptoms of nerve compression or dysfunction include:

• Tingling or “pins-and-needles”
• Burning sensations
• Prickling
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Loss of function

After your interview and physical exam, Dr. Malik might recommend nerve tests if he suspects you have a pinched or faulty nerve.

What happens when I have nerve tests?

EMG and NCV nerve tests are in-office procedures. For an EMG, the technician inserts small needles into specific parts of the muscles in and around the site of your pain. The needles relay information to the EMG device, which records the electrical activity and creates a graph for Dr. Malik to analyze.

With the NCV test, the technician attaches one electrode to the skin over the target nerve, then uses another electrode to stimulate the one on your nerve. This causes a brief, mild shock. The nerve’s response shows up as a series of waves on a monitor.

NCV tests might cause momentary discomfort when the shock goes through the nerve. But the tests are short-lived, and you don’t need any downtime afterward.

What might the results of my nerve tests show?

Nerve tests can help Dr. Malik diagnose many nerve-related chronic pain conditions and other problems. These include:

• Peripheral neuropathy
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
• Guillain-Barré syndrome
• Sciatica
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease)
• Myasthenia gravis
• Muscular dystrophy
• Polymyositis

Dr. Malik uses state-of-the-art EMG and NCV testing to produce accurate, detailed results. He can then tailor your treatment program, so you get the optimal benefit from your therapy.

To find out more about nerve tests and how they contribute to your rehabilitation, call Texas Pain & Orthopedics today or book an appointment online.