EMG NCV
Exploring
Neural Pathways
With EMG NCV
Electromyography
(EMG) and Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) are critical diagnostic tests that
are often performed together to assess the health and functioning of muscles
and peripheral nerves. These tests are very valuable diagnostic tools in
detection of neurological disorders and neuromuscular conditions. These tests
also enable healthcare providers to determine the underlying causes of
neurological disorders such as pain, tingling, muscle weakness, and numbness.
These tests aid in the accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and for
monitoring ongoing treatment for neuromuscular disorders.
Overview of the Key Aspects of EMG NCV
Electromyography (EMG):
EMG is a
diagnostic technique that measures the electrical activity of the muscles
during their contraction and relaxation. This test utilises two electrodes
which can be surface electrodes that are placed on the skin or needle
electrodes that are inserted into the muscles. Surface electrodes detect the
electric signals generated by the muscles while needle electrodes provide
detailed insights into the functioning of individual muscles.
Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV):
Nerve conduction
velocity (NCV) measures the amount and speed at which electrical signals travel
through the peripheral nerves. It is crucial in identifying and detecting nerve
dysfunction and damage. This test enables pin pointing the exact location and
intensity of nerve damaging which helps in determining the required treatment
approach.
Procedure:
●
Patients are advised to dress
in comfortable clothing and avoid using lotions, oils, or creams during the day
of procedure.
●
The technician or healthcare
provider will explain the procedure in detail to the patient.
●
After the patient is made to
sit/lie in comfortable position, surface electrodes will be placed on the skin
with adhesive gel to properly attach them. These electrodes will then pick up
the signals generated by the muscles.
●
During this procedure, patients
may be asked to perform some specific muscle exercises such as contractions and
relaxations.
●
The electric signals then
generated by the muscles will then be displayed on a monitor in the form of
waves or graphs.
●
For intramuscular testing,
sterile fine needle electrodes will be inserted into specific muscles which
will provide much greater and detailed information about the muscular structure
and activity.
●
For NCV, surface electrodes
will be specifically placed on certain points along the nerve pathway to
determine the functioning and activity of the nerves.
●
Small electrical impulses will
be sent to stimulate the nerves. These electrical signals will then enable
healthcare provider to determine if there is any nerve damage or dysfunction.
●
The test usually takes
somewhere between 30 minutes to 60 minutes depending on the number of muscles
and nerves being tested.
●
Trained healthcare professional
or neurologist will then interpret the results of the EMG NCV test.
Benefits:
●
Accurate detection of various
neurological and neuromuscular conditions
●
Detects nerve damage and
dysfunction at an early stage enabling timely medical intervention and
prevention
●
Provides detailed information
about muscular and nerve functioning
●
Helpful in differentiating
between various types of neuromuscular disorders
●
Guides treatments and monitors
response to those treatments
●
Helps in surgical planning as
it guides to the accurate location of nerve damage
Patients must
inform their healthcare providers if they have any allergies to the gel or
latex used during the procedure. Patients are also advised to let the
healthcare provider know about their medical history, medications such as blood
thinning medications, and any previous surgeries they have had. If the patient
is pregnant or might be pregnant, it is important to inform the healthcare
provider so that they can evaluate if the test is necessary or appropriate
during that time.
