Evaluation and Testing

What sort of testing should I expect at a Neurology Appointment?

UPDATE: Dr. McCoy is performing EMG / Nerve Conduction Tests only. She is no longer doing neurological evalutations or treatment.

The most common diagnostic tests for peripheral neuropathy are the Electromyography (EMG) and the Nerve Conduction Velocity (NVC) Tests.

NOTE: The American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine’s policy is that an appropriately trained doctor should do all needle EMG testing. A trained assistant or technologist under a doctor’s supervision can do nerve conduction studies.

Electromyography (EMG) Test An EMG is a test that can clarify the type of pathology, determine the severity and extent of pathology, confirm the site and estimate how chronic the pathology is, and determine muscle function. An EMG is often used to evaluate unexplained muscle weakness, twitching or paralysis, and to find the causes of numbness, tingling and pain.

A small, very thin needle is inserted in several muscles. With the needle in place, the patient is asked to slowly contract the muscle. The physician will be able to examine how your nerve and muscles are working by the electrical signals made by your muscles. There may be minor pain during this part however most tolerate it very well.

Nerve Conduction Velocity (NVC) Test A NVC, also know as a Nerve Conduction Study, shows how well the body’s electrical signals are traveling to the nerve. It is used to diagnose nerve damage or dysfunction and confirm a particular diagnosis.

This is done by applying small electrical shocks to the nerve and recoding how the nerve works. You should only feel a quick, mild, tingling sensation when the test is performed.

If necessary, other common tests performed include blood tests, skin/nerve/muscle biopsy, lumbar puncture, imaging (MRI, CAT Scan).

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