EMG & Nerve Conduction Studies
Comprehensive electrodiagnostic testing to evaluate muscle and nerve function — providing the clinical data your physician needs for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
What Is Electrodiagnostic Testing?
Electrodiagnostic studies — including electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) — are specialized tests that measure the electrical activity of muscles and the speed of nerve signals. Together, they provide a detailed picture of the health and function of your peripheral nervous system and muscles. These studies are ordered by your physician when symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain suggest a nerve or muscle disorder.
Muscle Electrical Activity Assessment
Electromyography (EMG)
EMG measures the electrical signals produced by muscles at rest and during voluntary contraction. A small needle electrode is inserted into the muscle to record its electrical activity. This test helps identify whether muscle weakness or dysfunction originates from the muscle itself, the nerve supplying it, or the neuromuscular junction.
How It Works
A fine needle electrode is placed into specific muscles. You will be asked to relax and then contract the muscle while the electrical activity is recorded and analyzed by our specialist.
Conditions Diagnosed
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Myopathy and muscular dystrophy
- Radiculopathy (pinched nerve in spine)
- Myasthenia gravis
- Inflammatory myopathy
- Neuromuscular junction disorders
Peripheral Nerve Signal Evaluation
Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)
NCS measures how quickly and how strongly electrical signals travel through your peripheral nerves. Small electrodes are placed on the skin over the nerve being tested. A mild electrical stimulus is applied, and the response is recorded. NCS is essential for diagnosing conditions affecting the peripheral nerves.
How It Works
Surface electrodes are placed on the skin. A brief, mild electrical pulse is delivered to stimulate the nerve. The speed and strength of the nerve's response is measured and compared to established normal values.
Conditions Diagnosed
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Peripheral neuropathy (diabetic, idiopathic)
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow
- Peroneal neuropathy
- Brachial and lumbosacral plexopathy
What to Expect During Your Study
Physician Referral Required
All electrodiagnostic studies must be ordered by your physician. Bring your referral and any relevant medical records to your appointment.
Preparation
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Avoid applying lotions or oils to your skin on the day of the test. Inform us of any blood thinners or pacemaker devices.
The Study
NCS is performed first using surface electrodes on the skin. EMG follows using a fine needle electrode. The combined study typically takes 45–90 minutes depending on the clinical question.
Results & Reporting
Our specialist interprets your study and prepares a detailed report. Results are sent promptly to your referring physician, who will discuss findings and next steps with you.
Ready to Schedule?
A physician referral is required for all electrodiagnostic studies. If your physician has referred you, contact us to schedule your appointment. We serve patients throughout Lillington, NC and the surrounding region.