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EMG Nerve Diagnostics Testing in Merrick and Amityville, NY

Nerves are essential organs of the nervous system and the entire body. They carry electrical impulses between the brain and the rest of the body. The nerves ensure you can feel sensations, move your muscles, and perform other bodily functions. They work together with the muscles in the neuromuscular system to give you total control over your body. 

As important as the nerves and muscles are, they can be affected by various disorders. Several other medical conditions may result from the presence of neuromusculoskeletal disorders. While these disorders may show some symptoms, only an EMG can help doctors make a definite diagnosis. EMG nerve testing in Amityville, NY, determines the cause of symptoms caused by nerve and muscle damage.

Electromyography (EMG) Nerve Testing Machine

Learn more about EMG Nerve Testing or get in touch with us to speak to one of our team members.

What is EMG Nerve Diagnostic Testing?

Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic test procedure that measures the ongoing electrical activity between the muscles and the nerves that control them. This electrodiagnostic testing studies and assesses the health condition and functions of the nerve cells and muscles. 

There are two main types of nerves: motor nerves and sensory nerves. The motor nerves carry electrical signals from the central nervous system to the muscles and glands that control your movement and function. An electromyography nerve diagnostic test can convert the signals made by your motor nerves to graphs and numbers. A doctor can use the results of an EMG test to diagnose and determine the exact location or extent of nerve/muscle damage if you show symptoms of nerve or muscle disorder.

An electromyography nerve diagnostic testing procedure in Merrick, NY, has two parts. These include:

  • Nerve Conduction Study (NCS): Patients are usually required to take an NCS alongside  EMG nerve testing in Merrick. A nerve conduction study stimulates the nerves to measure the speed and health of the electrical signals flowing from the nerves to the muscles. Electrode stickers are the primary tool used during an NCS. A nerve conduction study helps to determine the location and extent of nerve damage.
  • Needle EMG: This part of an EMG diagnostic procedure records the electrical activity of the muscles. The primary tool for this test is fine, thin needles inserted into different muscles. These electrodes record the muscles' electrical signals at rest or during contraction. The results of these electrical signals reflect on a screen to be analyzed and interpreted by our specialists in Merrick.

In Merrick & Amityville, NY, you will undergo an EMG test immediately after a nerve conduction study. The following are instructions you need to follow to prepare for EMG nerve testing:

  • Talk to our specialists at Summit Physical Therapy. They will tell you what food to eat or medication to stop taking before an EMG nerve test.
  • Have a bath or shower to strip your skin of oils before the test. Do not apply lotion or body cream after bathing to avoid impacting the test results.
  • Avoid smoking about a day before your appointment.
  • Let our specialists know about any existing medical conditions or electrical medical devices you use.
  • Dress comfortably.

Following these precautions ensures you are comfortable during your procedure and prevents excess external influence on your test results. While an EMG test is usually painless, you may feel some discomfort from the electrode needles in your muscles.

When Do You Need EMG Nerve Testing?

You may need an EMG nerve testing for nerve damage if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Numbness
  • Muscle weakness
  • TIngling
  • Decreased sensation
  • Muscle pain or burning sensations
  • Involuntary muscle twitches
  • Difficulty carrying out regular activities
  • Paralysis, etc.

What Conditions Can EMG Nerve Testing Diagnose?

The following are medical conditions that EMG nerve testing can detect and diagnose:

  • Muscle disorders (such as muscle dystrophy, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, etc)
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Myasthenia Gravis
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Guillain-Barre syndrome
  • Sciatica
  • Neuropathies
  • Pinched nerves
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Radiculopathy
  • Nerve compression syndromes, etc.

EMG nerve diagnostics testing in Merrick & Amityville, NY, prevents complications by exposing nerve and muscle damage. It also pinpoints the specific location of nerve/muscle damage and reveals the intensity of the damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Electromyography?

Electromyography, popularly known as EMG, is an electrodiagnostic test that assesses the health condition and functions of the nerves and muscles. It detects and diagnoses disorders of the nerves and muscles.

How Does Electromyography Work?

Electromyography converts the signals the motor nerves (neurons) makes to graphs and numbers that a specialist can interpret. The electrodiagnostic test measures and records the electrical activity between the muscles and nerves.

What Does EMG measure?

Electromyography measures the ongoing electrical activity between the muscles and the nerves that control them.

How Much Does Electromyography (EMG) Cost?

Without insurance, an electromyography test costs about $150 to $500. However, insurance typically covers EMG nerve diagnostics testing.

Conclusion

Nerve and muscle disorders severely impact the quality of one’s life. They can make it difficult for you to engage in activities you once enjoyed. If you want to detect nerve and muscle disorders as soon as possible before they lead to other complications, you should consider EMG nerve diagnostic testing at Summit Physical Therapy.

To investigate the origin and severity of numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness symptoms, our office performs Nerve Conduction Studies and EMG. Your test will be performed and interpreted in our office by our staff, not by an outside technician unfamiliar with your case. We are residency trained by the Nationally recognized Hands On Diagnostics Company.

Other Services Offered at Summit Physical Therapy

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