MDNews - Greater Kansas

What is electromyography/nerve conduction test (EMG/NCT)? Q EMG and NCT are technically two dierent parts of a complete study. The tests go hand-in-hand to provide vital information regarding nerve and muscle functioning from the spinal cord distally to the peripheral nerves. Certain disorders, especially those aecting the motor neurons, nerve roots, and muscles, may not show abnormalities in the NCT portion. Not performing EMG will miss these, and ultimately aect treatment decisions. Clinic query Via Christi Clinic Neurology A Marvin Sih, MD Why do patients need an EMG/NCT? Common reasons would include limb pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, imbalance and many other diagnoses. Is there an optimal timeframe to send my patient for testing? Usually it takes about 2-3 weeks from onset of symptoms or time of injury for many of the abnormalities to be seen electrically. Performing the test prior to this time period may result in a false-negative test because it is "too early." Exceptions to this would be nerve transections related to injury and Guillain- Barre syndrome (which needs early testing so treatment can be started). How should patients prepare for an EMG/NCT? No special preparation or fasting is required. Please advise patients not to apply creams, moisturizers or powders to the skin after bathing prior to testing. Generally, patients are allowed to take their home medications as usual, including anticoagulants. How long does EMG/NCT take? The complete testing generally lasts anywhere from 20-45 minutes. Including the patient's H&P or clinic note greatly helps the performing provider understand what the clinical scenario is and what is being checked for. Testing is customized based on symptoms and possible dierential diagnoses, and the decision as to what nerves and muscles are tested are made in real time as the test progresses by the performing physician. Diplomate, American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology Certified in Neurology and Sleep Medicine Via Christi Clinic, PA Q A Q A Q A Q A Is a neurology consultation required prior to testing? Not necessarily. The decision to send the patient for a clinic consultation before testing is up to the referring physician. Testing can be ordered and performed as a stand-alone test; results will be sent to the referring physician within a few days following testing. However, complicated patients may benefit from a clinic consultation first. Q A How important is it to choose who to have the testing done with? It is important that a doctor specifically trained and knowledgeable with this procedure perform the testing. Board certification, especially in Electrodiagnostic Medicine, ensures adherence to highest standards and quality in testing. Q A For more information, or to schedule your patient for testing: 316.268.8500 Visit: viachristi.org/emg for a "what to expect" video What is electromyography/nerve conduction test (EMG/NCT)? Q EMG and NCT are technically two dierent parts of a complete study. The tests go hand-in-hand to provide vital information regarding nerve and muscle functioning from the spinal cord distally to the peripheral nerves. Certain disorders, especially those aecting the motor neurons, nerve roots, and muscles, may not show abnormalities in the NCT portion. Not performing EMG will miss these, and ultimately aect treatment decisions. Clinic query Via Christi Clinic Neurology A Marvin Sih, MD Why do patients need an EMG/NCT? Common reasons would include limb pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, imbalance and many other diagnoses. Is there an optimal timeframe to send my patient for testing? Usually it takes about 2-3 weeks from onset of symptoms or time of injury for many of the abnormalities to be seen electrically. Performing the test prior to this time period may result in a false-negative test because it is "too early." Exceptions to this would be nerve transections related to injury and Guillain- Barre syndrome (which needs early testing so treatment can be started). How should patients prepare for an EMG/NCT? No special preparation or fasting is required. Please advise patients not to apply creams, moisturizers or powders to the skin after bathing prior to testing. Generally, patients are allowed to take their home medications as usual, including anticoagulants. How long does EMG/NCT take? The complete testing generally lasts anywhere from 20-45 minutes. Including the patient's H&P or clinic note greatly helps the performing provider understand what the clinical scenario is and what is being checked for. Testing is customized based on symptoms and possible dierential diagnoses, and the decision as to what nerves and muscles are tested are made in real time as the test progresses by the performing physician. Diplomate, American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology Certified in Neurology and Sleep Medicine Via Christi Clinic, PA Q A Q A Q A Q A Is a neurology consultation required prior to testing? Not necessarily. The decision to send the patient for a clinic consultation before testing is up to the referring physician. Testing can be ordered and performed as a stand-alone test; results will be sent to the referring physician within a few days following testing. However, complicated patients may benefit from a clinic consultation first. Q A How important is it to choose who to have the testing done with? It is important that a doctor specifically trained and knowledgeable with this procedure perform the testing. Board certification, especially in Electrodiagnostic Medicine, ensures adherence to highest standards and quality in testing. Q A For more information, or to schedule your patient for testing: 316.268.8500 Visit: viachristi.org/emg for a "what to expect" video

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