Nerve Conduction Testing (NCV/EMG)
Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) – As its name implies, NCV measures the speed of conduction of nerves within your body. Sensitive electrodes pick up stimulation from an electrical impulse delivered through the nerve and the speed of conduction through the nerve is calculated via sophisticated computer software. These values are compared to normative data and interpreted by qualified clinicians.
Electromyography (EMG) – Broken down, EMG means: electro (electric) myo (muscle) graphy (writing). EMG tests are designed to diagnose problems with nerves and the muscles they supply. Electrical activity of nerves and muscles are recorded by sophisticated electrodes and specific patterns are displayed via sophisticated computer software and interpreted by qualified clinicians.
Candidates for NCV/EMG testing include those with:
- Persistent arm and/or leg pain
- Numness and tingling
- Muscle wasting, weakness, paralysis, twitching, cramps and/or fatigue
- Spinal cord/Periheral nerve injury
- Spinal trauma with limb complaints
Examples of conditions diagnosed by NCV/EMG testing include:
- Neuropathy/Nerve Entrapments (e.g. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Sciatica)
- Spinal nerve root compression/Radiculopathy (e.g. due to herniated disc)
- Plexopathy (e.g. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome)
- Polyneuropathy (e.g. Diabetic neuropathy)
- Neuromuscular disorders (e.g. MS, Myasthenia Gravis, ALS)
- Muscle disorders (e.g. Myopathy)
