Nerve conduction studies

NCS/EMG (Nerve conduction study/Electromyography) — a diagnostic study where a technologist performs the NCS under a physician's supervision, and a physician performs a needle EMG. NCS/EMG testing is most useful in the diagnosis and management of nerve diseases/disorders/lesions, nerve entrapment disorders, myopathies, radiculopathies, and carpel tunnel syndrome.

NCS shows how the body's electrical signals are traveling to the nerves. This is done by applying small electrical shocks to the nerve and recording how the nerve works. The doctor may test several nerves.

EMG shows how the body's electrical activity is traveling to the muscles. A small needle is inserted into one or several muscles, and the physician looks and listens to the electrical signal that travels from the needle to the EMG machine. The doctor then reads the signals. A new needle is used for each patient and thrown away after the test.

Before the procedure:

• Take a bath or shower to remove oil from your skin
• Do not use any body lotion the day of the test
• Wear loose fitting clothes
• Advise your EMG doctor if you are taking aspirin, blood thinners, have a pacemaker, Myasthenia Gravis, or have hemophilia