How an EMG and nerve conduction study from your neurologists in San Jose, CA, can help you
An EMG, also known as an electromyogram, is a diagnostic test which measures electrical stimulation of your muscles while they are at rest and when they are contracting.
An NCS, also known as a nerve conduction study, is a diagnostic test which is often combined with the EMG. A nerve conduction study measures how fast your nervous system sends electrical signals. Both the NCS and EMG are helpful to diagnose nerve and muscle disorders.
Dr. Raj Gupta and Dr. Akshay Shah at San Jose Pacific Neurology Center in San Jose, CA, provide a wide range of neurological services including EMG and nerve conduction studies.
Your neurologist might order an EMG and NCS if you are experiencing:
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle cramping
- Muscle spasms
- Nerve twitching
- Muscle paralysis
During an EMG test, your doctor will test a muscle using an electrode. The electrode is inserted into the muscle and the EMG machine will record your muscle activity while you are resting. For the second part of the test, you need to tighten your muscle to measure the muscle while it is contracting.
During the NCS test, several electrodes are taped on a nerve or nerves. The electrodes deliver an electrical plus to your nerves. Electrodes are also attached to the muscles controlled by the nerves. The muscle reactions to the impulses are measured and recorded.
You might feel slight discomfort during the EMG when the electrode is placed in the muscle, and slight tingling during the NCS part of the test, but these sensations go away immediately after the test.
EMG/NCS can help your neurologist diagnose a wide variety of muscle and nerve conditions, including:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Disc herniation
- Myasthenia gravis
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Muscular dystrophy
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
To learn more about EMG/NCS and other diagnostic and neurology services, call Dr. Raj Gupta and Dr. Akshay Shah at San Jose Pacific Neurology Center in San Jose, CA. You can reach them in the office by calling (408) 347-1600, so call now.