EMG/Nerve Conduction

What is nerve conduction?

Nerve conduction, also called electromyography, is an outpatient procedure that assesses the health of your muscles and motor neurons (nerve cells).

At Coastal Spine, integrated pain management specialists use nerve conduction to diagnose nerve and muscle problems and other issues that interfere with nerve-to-muscle signal transmission.

What problems can nerve conduction help diagnose?

Coastal Spine uses nerve conduction to diagnose various health problems, including:

• Muscle disorders like muscular dystrophy
• Diseases that affect the connection between the nerves and muscles
• Disorders of the peripheral nerves like carpal tunnel syndrome
• Conditions affecting the motor neurons in the brain or spinal cord, like polio

Nerve conduction studies can detect problems with the nerve roots in the spine, like a herniated disc.

How do I prepare for a nerve conduction test?

Let your Coastal Spine provider know if you take any prescription medicine, like blood thinners, or have an implantable device, like a pacemaker. These things won’t necessarily prevent you from undergoing nerve conduction. But they might increase their risk of complications, so it’s essential that your provider knows.

What happens during a nerve conduction procedure?

Your Coastal Spine provider places electrodes on your skin near the area where you’re experiencing symptoms.

When the test begins, your provider sends an electrical current through the electrodes. The current causes your muscles to twitch or spasm, and the machine records these movements.

Your provider asks you to flex and relax specific muscles throughout the test. They might ask you to change positions. The electrodes monitor your muscles’ electrical responses to these movements, helping your provider determine the best treatment.

How long does nerve conduction take?

Nerve conduction testing takes 15 minutes to an hour. The length of your test depends on which muscles and nerves are tested. Afterward, no recovery is needed. You can return to your routine right away.

When will I get the results of my nerve conduction test?

Your Coastal Spine provider goes over the results of your nerve conduction study on the same day as your procedure. They explain your results and make personalized treatment recommendations to provide lasting relief.

Call the nearest Coastal Spine office today to learn more about nerve conduction testing, or make your appointment online.