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ELECTROMYOGRAPHY (EMG)
Orthopedic Associates of Dutchess County offers electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Velocity Studies (NCVS) services to its patients. These test are performed to test the health of muscles and the nerves controlling the muscles. EMG is used when patients have symptoms of weakness and impaired muscle strength.
Needle electromyography (EMG)
Needle electromyography (EMG) refers to the recording of muscle electrical activity using a thin pin electrode. The pin electrode is inserted through the skin into the muscle. During the insertion, the licensed practitoner determines the resistance of the muscle. The practioner also evaluates the electrical activity of the muscle both at rest and during contraction of the muscle. The pin electrode translates the amount and intensity of the electrical activity into waveforms displayed on a computer screen. The sounds of the electrical activity are also emitted and interpreted by the practitoner. Therefore, the practitoner is not only using sight and touch, but also sound to detmine the proper diagnosis. After the practitoner finishes examining one muscle, he or she analyzes all of the data - the waveform, the sounds, and the feel of the muscle - to determine if and which other muscles need t o be studied.
Nerve Conduction Velocity Studies
Nerve conduction velocity studies (NCVs) are used to test the speed of impulses through a nerve. To perform this study, surface electrodes are used to stimulate the nerve by placing electrodes on the skin at various locations over the nerve. One electrode stimulates the nerve with a mild electrical impulse and the resulting electrical activity is recorded by the other electrode. The distance between electrodes and the time it takes for electrical impulses to travel between electrodes are used to determine whether the nerve is functioning appropriately.
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