Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)

At Texas Orthopedics, patients with nerve damage, numbness, pinched or compressed nerves will typically have an electromyography (EMG) and/or nerve conduction study (NCS) ordered to aid in the diagnoses of nerve-related pain, numbness, and/or weakness. These tests evaluate how your nervous system and musculoskeletal system work together. Dr. Ai Mukai is very experienced with these tools and uses them to better understand the symptoms you are experiencing and how to fix it.

Nerve pain, or neuropathy, can result from injury, swelling, and disease. Neuropathy can also be a symptom of a neurological condition.

Nerve Conduction Study (NCS)

A nerve conduction study (NCS) measures nerve signal processing speed and functionality between your brain and other parts of your body. The test is relatively painless and performed on an outpatient basis.

Several small electrodes are placed in various places on your skin. Electric shocks are used to stimulate nerves in one or several places. The time it takes for the message (nerve impulse) to travel from one place to another is recorded, and the data are analyzed.

Electromyography (EMG)

An electromyography (EMG) study evaluates how well your nerves and musculoskeletal system communicate. The test may cause some slight discomfort as you will be asked to move certain muscles while recording the nerve impulses during a muscle contraction.

A fine needle electrode is placed through your skin and into the muscle that a nerve controls. The electrode transmits information about the nerve and muscle electrical activity, which can be heard as a snapping sound when your muscle contracts. The data is collected at rest and during muscle contraction.

Learn more about nerve pain in our patient education library and read Dr. Mukai’s handout on electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction study (NCS).

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ai Mukai

For an appointment with Dr. Mukai at our offices in Central Austin or South Austin, call Texas Orthopedics at (512) 485-0514 or schedule an appointment online now.