EMG and Neuromuscular Ultrasound

• Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) are tests that measure how well and how fast the nerves in your body send electrical signals. Think of nerves like the wires in an electrical system that carry messages between your brain, spinal cord, and the rest of your body. This helps doctors assess the health and function of your nerves and diagnose conditions such as nerve damage, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other neuropathic lesions.

• Electromyography (EMG) is another test that helps doctors evaluate the health of your muscles and the nerves that control them. During an EMG, fine needles are inserted into the muscles being tested. These needles pick up the electrical signals produced by your muscles when they contract. By analyzing these signals, doctors can determine how well your muscles and nerves are working together. EMG is commonly used to diagnose conditions such as muscle disorders, nerve compression or disorders affecting the communication between nerves and muscles.

• Neuromuscular Ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create live, detailed pictures of your nerves and muscles. If NCS and EMG are like an "electrical report" of your body’s wiring, ultrasound is the "high-definition camera" that lets us see the wires themselves. By visualizing the physical structure of a nerve in real-time, doctors can identify problems that electrical tests alone might miss, such as a nerve being compressed by a cyst, anatomical variations, or internal scarring. It is an essential tool for providing a complete diagnostic picture of conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and complex peripheral neuropathies.

Avoid using powder, oil or lotion before the exam. Your skin should be clean and free of excess oil. Wear loose clothing. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown.

What to Expect:

• The test usually takes 1 hour.
• You can continue with your normal activities, such as eating, driving, and exercising, before and after the test.
• There are no lasting side effects.
• You may feel some discomfort around the electrode insertion points during the test.

Let the Doctor Know If: 

• You are currently on any blood-thinners.
• Have a compromised immune system.
• Have had any neck or back surgery.

During Your Test

You will be asked to lie on an exam table. You will have the following:

Nerve Conduction Study (NCS)

Small metal or adhesive disks (electrodes) will be attached to your skin on the area of your body being tested. This will be done using water based gel. A doctor will apply mild electrical currents to your skin. Your muscles may twitch, but the test won’t harm you.

Electromyography (EMG)

The doctor will clean the areas being tested with alcohol. A fine needle will be inserted into the muscles in these regions. When the needle is inserted you may feel a light pinch.

Neuromuscular Ultrasound

A clear, water-based gel will be applied to the skin over the area being examined. The doctor will move a handheld device (transducer) over your skin to capture real-time, high-resolution images of your nerves and muscles on a monitor. This part of the study is completely painless and does not involve any needles or electrical currents. You may be asked to move your limb during the scan so the doctor can observe how your nerves behave during activity.

Is the test painful?

• Some mild discomfort is possible, but it’s brief and tolerable.

How do I prepare?

• Avoid lotions, and wear loose clothing.

Will my insurance cover this?

• We accept most major insurance plans.

When will I get my results?

• Your study results will be faxed directly to the ordering provider on the same day as your test.
• You may also request a copy of your results, which will be securely emailed to you after your appointment.