Electromyography (EMG) / Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)

NCS and EMG tests are electrodiagnostic procedures that measure the electrical activity of muscles and nerves. NCS uses electrode stickers applied to the skin to measure the speed and strength of electrical signals between two points. During an EMG, a small needle electrode about the size of an acupuncture needle is inserted into the muscle and records the electrical activity of that muscle. Together, these tests can reveal nerve dysfunction, muscle dysfunction or problems with nerve-to-muscle signal transmission to help in the diagnosis of neuromuscular disease.

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What To Expect During NCS And EMG Procedures

Why You Might Need An NCS And EMG

Hand with wrist pain

Your physician may want you to have the tests to diagnose and determine treatment options related to a nerve or muscle disorder.

Symptoms may include:

  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Spasms or cramping
  • Pain in the limbs

NCS and EMG tests help diagnose neuromuscular conditions including the following:

  • Focal nerve damage, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Diffuse nerve damage, for example, diabetes-related polyneuropathy
  • Diseases of nerve roots, for instance, herniated disc
  • Pinched nerve (radiculopathy) in the neck and lower back
  • Muscle disorders, such as muscular dystrophy
  • Inflammation of muscles
  • Nerve-muscle junction diseases, such as myasthenia gravis
  • Motor neuron disorders, such as ALS, sclerosis, or polio
  • Disorders of brachial/lumbosacral plexus, thoracic outlet syndrome
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Exemplary Status

Accreditation with Exemplary status is the highest level of accreditation recognized by the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM).

NeuroDiagnostic Laboratories is the only neurodiagnostic testing group of its kind in Arizona with Exemplary Accreditation Status.

What Our Patients Say About Us

“It was a very pleasant visit, they answered all my questions and explained what they were doing to me step by step, thank you.”

“Very professional. Didn’t have to wait. Very good experience and people just seem to be very knowledgeable.”

“I don’t know about you, but when I’m going in for any kind of testing, I’m always nervous. Today, was no different. Although, today I had some peace. I got called back, and Shawn made me feel at ease right away. He introduced himself and told me from the beginning how the test was going to happen. The whole entire time I was in the back, he spoke to me. He let me know what he was going to do, and how I should feel. That made it so much better, then not knowing. Plus it wasn’t just about the test, he made me feel at ease by talking a little bit about life in general. I loved it here. I have never felt so comfortable going into a test before. Hopefully, I won’t have to go back, but if I do, I know that the Doctor, the staff, including Shawn would take care of me. I would definitely recommend it here.”