Neurology

A physician may recommend an EMG to determine if muscles and nerves are functioning properly. Electrodiagnostic medicine (the study of nerves and muscles) assists the physician in analyzing symptoms—numbness, tingling, pain, weakness or muscle cramping—and determining a course of treatment. The patient may experience problems in only one part or throughout the body.

Nerve conduction studies reveal how well the body’s electrical signals travel along the peripheral nerves. Small electrical shocks are applied to a nerve and the nerve’s response is recorded. There is a quick, mild to moderate, tingling feeling. It feels similar to an elastic band snap sensation. It can be a bit uncomfortable, but most patients do tolerate the test well.

During this procedure, a small, thin needle is inserted into several muscles to evaluate muscle response. The physician tests only those muscles necessary to evaluate problems discussed during the prior exam. The patient may experience a small amount of pain. The physician looks at and listens to electrical signals that travel from the needle to the EMG machine. They then use their expertise to determine the cause of the problem. New needles are used for each patient and needles are discarded after each test.

An EEG is the recording of electrical activity in the brain; it measures brain waves. It does not measure intelligence or “read your mind,” but allows the physician to study a series of small electrical fluctuations produced by the brain, which may allow the neurologist to look for evidence of epilepsy or other conditions.

This form of EEG allows the patient to leave the testing facility and continue their daily routine. The patient wears the equipment for either 24 or 48 hours, as ordered by their physician. During the test time, the patient keeps a written diary of activities and symptoms.  The technician may ask you if you are comfortable with setting up a camera to record you while you are sleeping.  If you are asked, please remember that you are not obligated to be video-recorded.  This is only to help the doctor interpret the recording.