Electrodiagnostic Medicine

Electrodiagnostic medicine is a branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and evaluating conditions affecting the muscles and nerves using specialized electrical tests. These tests involve the measurement of electrical signals in the body to assess the function and integrity of the nervous system.

There are two main types of electrodiagnostic tests commonly used:

1. Electromyography (EMG): If muscles do not respond correctly to stimuli produced in the brain and conducted to these muscles by corresponding nerves, it is possible that the muscle does not process these stimuli normally, even though the nerves are intact. During this test, a very small disposable needle electrode (smaller than the needle employed during a blood draw) is placed in one or more muscles. The electrical activity of the muscle is fed back through the electrode to the EMG machine when the muscle is at rest and then when it is voluntarily activated by the patient. The information obtained from EMG provides insight into muscle function.

2. Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS): Nerves conduct electrical signals generated in certain areas of the brain. These signals are carried through nerves to muscles. Upon receiving these signals, or stimuli, muscles contract and perform movements. If muscles do not respond to such stimuli correctly, it is possible that corresponding nerves are not functioning properly. A Nerve Conduction Study is performed to establish whether nerves carry (or conduct) stimuli normally. In order to perform a Nerve Conduction Study, surface electrodes are taped over several zones on the skin and muscles. The nerves which supply those zones or muscles are then stimulated with a surface probe and the resulting electrical responses are recorded by the surface electrodes, which are in turn attached to an EMG machine. The electrical responses provide detailed information about nerve function. These stimuli feel like a small shock (as a pinch or tingling) and are almost always well tolerated. One or more nerves may be tested during this procedure.

Electrodiagnostic medicine is used to diagnose and evaluate a wide range of conditions, including:

1. Peripheral nerve injuries: Electrodiagnostic tests can help identify the location and severity of nerve injuries, such as nerve compression (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome), nerve entrapment, or nerve damage caused by trauma. READ MORE

3. Radiculopathies: These are conditions that result from compression or irritation of the spinal nerve roots, commonly seen in conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis. Electrodiagnostic tests can help determine the level and severity of nerve root involvement.

Possible Benefits of Testing

Electrodiagnostic medicine is the study of diseases of nerves and muscles. Your doctor has recommended an EMG test to see if your muscles and nerves are working right. The results of the tests will help localize the problem and establish its severity.

Benefits of electrodiagnostic testing may be decreased by factors that interfere with the testing and affect its accuracy. These factors include medications such as muscle relaxants and anticholinergics, presence of excess fatty tissue between the muscle and skin, application to the skin of medicinal and/or cosmetic lotions or creams, patient’s ability to cooperate with the physician during testing, or patient’s failure to follow physician’s instructions, as well as patient’s age (nerve conduction can vary with age and normally decreases as a person grows older).

It’s important to note that the information provided here is a general overview, and individual cases may vary. If you have specific concerns or questions, it’s always best to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or specialist in electrodiagnostic medicine.