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EMG and NCV Testing

nerves

When you have an orthopedic condition that affects the nerves, Dr. Sammy Masri may use a combination of electrodiagnostic studies to help him accurately diagnose your injury.

Electromyography (EMG) measures the electrical activity within muscles while nerve conduction velocity (NCV) tests measure how well the nerves work. They are typically performed at the same time to help diagnose nerve injuries and nerve compression conditions such as:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Sciatica
  • Cervical radiculopathy (pain that travels from the neck to the arms)
  • Herniated disc
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome (nerve pain in the shoulder)
  • Ulnar neuropathy (nerve pain in the elbow)

 

What is EMG?

Electromyography is a test that measures the electrical nerve impulses of muscles at rest and when contracted. A small needle electrode is placed into the muscle. The electrode, which detects electrical activity in that muscle, is connected to a recording device by a thin wire.

The machine first records what happens while the muscle is at rest (there should be no electrical activity), then it records the electrical activity detected when you tense the muscle. Different areas of the muscle or different muscles may be tested.

 

What is NCV?

Of the two tests, the nerve conduction velocity is usually conducted first. Flat electrodes are applied directly to the skin and small electric shocks stimulate specific nerves. NCV can help determine where the nerve injury is by measuring the speed and intensity of the electrical impulse traveling down a nerve. In damaged nerves, the electrical impulse will be slower and weaker.

If you have neck or back pain that radiates down into the arms or legs, tingling or numbness in your hands or feet, unexplained muscle weakness or fatigue, or muscles that twitch, you may benefit from having an EMG / NCV. Call Masri Sports Medicine & Wellness today to schedule an appointment at one of our three New Jersey offices: Franklin Lakes (201) 809-9996, Paramus (201) 261-0402, or Clifton (973) 777-0934

Clifton Location

Clifton Office

1300 Main Ave
Suite 3A
Clifton, NJ 07011

T : (973) 777-0934
F: (973) 777-0543

Dubai Location

Dubai Office

Tulip Business Developers,
Jumeirah Golf estates, Dubai, UAE

T : +971 43 744 788

Paramus Location

Paramus Office

37 West Century Rd.
Suite 104
Paramus, New Jersey 07652

T : (201)261-0402
F : (201)261-0587

New York Location

New York Office

30 Central Park South
Suite 8D
New York, New York 10019

T : (212)964-8031