Electrodiagnosis(EMG/NCV)

What is EMG? Electromyogram.

Dr. DeMalio is a specialist who treats disorders of the nerves, muscles, spinal joints and nearby bones and ligaments. When one of these areas malfunctions, he may have difficulty diagnosing the problem just on the basis of knowledge obtained by a medical history and physical examination. That is why he may order one or more neurological tests. These tests have long and difficult names, but they are generally painless and they will help him help you. These tests collectively are called neurodiagnostics.

Electromyogram (EMG)

confirm carpal tunnel syndrome
source of radiating arm or leg pain
diagnose pinched nerve or entrapment syndrome

When muscles or nerve fibers in the arms, legs or near the spine are damaged, the extent of the damage can be determined by a two-part test, the EMG, using a machine called the electromyography. The first part of this test is called nerve conduction velocity (NCV) determination. In this procedure, the physician applies electrodes, which are small gel pads, to the muscle or nerve being examined. Then, using a stimulating probe, Dr. DeMalio sends a tiny flow of electrical current into the nerve or muscle. This causes a measurable and predictable reaction, which is transmitted by the electrodes to the EMG machine. The machine measures and records this reaction and the amount of response time. This data is valuable in diagnosing neuromuscular problems. The tiny amount of current used in this test will not injure the nerve or muscle tissue and it causes a slight uncomfortable feeling, similar to a mild “crazy bone” sensation.

The second part of the EMG test is called determination of muscle action. In this procedure, Dr. DeMalio inserts into the muscle a small, Teflon-coated, needle-shaped electrode. The patient experiences a sensation like a mild pinch. Again, a tiny amount of current is detected in the muscle and the EMG measures and records the reaction. After both parts of the EMG are completed, the EMG computer generates a photograph of the results. Dr. DeMalio can read these results to diagnose and existing condition, or can store the results for future comparisons.

Please contact our office, for consultation to determine if you require such an advanced specialty diagnostic test, or ask you family doctor or specialist for a referral for this examination, and results would be forwarded to that provider for evaluation.

Dr. Mark J. DeMalio, DC
Clinical Electrodiagnosis
Certified by National University of Health Sciences, June 2004