If your client was injured at work or had a recent accident, accuracy and evidence are essential. More importantly, getting your client back to work and normal life is a top priority. Understanding the difference between EMG testing vs. nerve conduction studies can help you understand which is more beneficial for your client.
Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) are two effective diagnostic tests that our physical therapists use at Integrity Diagnostics Network. Since we respect your time, especially with sensitive and legal matters, we strive to generate results as quickly as possible!
Call us to learn more about scheduling your clients for EMG and nerve conduction studies.
EMG Testing vs Nerve Conduction Studies: Understanding Both
Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies measure the electrical activity of your muscles and nerves. Nerves emit electrical signals that make your muscles react in certain ways. As your muscles react, they transmit signals that can then be measured. There are a few differences and similarities between the two:
- An EMG test assesses the electrical signals your muscles make when they are at rest and when they are being used. An EMG test can determine if muscles are responding the right way to nerve signals
- A nerve conduction study measures speed and efficiency as the body’s electrical signals travel down your nerves. Nerve conduction studies help diagnose nerve damage or disease.
EMG and nerve conduction studies tests both contribute valuable information towards a comprehensive diagnosis, and are typically used to determine if your client has a disorder of your muscles, nerves, or both. These tests can be done separately but are typically performed together.
How Is This Beneficial For My Client?
Diagnostic tests can be used to help provide an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, it can help your client get to the root cause of their symptoms and ensure they receive the appropriate care they need.
An EMG or nerve conduction study is typically requested if your client displays symptoms of a muscle or nerve disorder. These symptoms include:
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness and tingling in arms, legs, hands, feet, and/or face
- Muscle cramps, spasms, and/or twitching
- Muscle paralysis
Are There Any Risks to EMG Testing and Nerve Conduction Studies?
EMG and nerve conduction tests are common and very low-risk. Sometimes, people feel pain and cramping during an EMG test, although these sensations should be rather mild. It’s also common to feel tingling, similar to a mild electric shock, during a nerve conduction study. Regardless of the tests, if you have any lingering symptoms they will dissipate rapidly and rarely last more than a few minutes.
What Do the Results Mean?
Nerve conduction studies (NCS) and EMG tests can help us pinpoint the exact condition your client is dealing with, which is especially useful for conditions that may generally be difficult to diagnose. If the test results are abnormal, your client may have a variety of different conditions.
Depending on the specific muscles or nerves that are affected, it could indicate one of the following conditions:
- Nerve Disorders: EMG and nerve conduction tests are both helpful in contributing to an accurate diagnosis, including conditions like peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, radiculopathy, and other nerve-related disorders.
- Neuromuscular Junction Disorders: These diagnostic tests detect abnormalities in the neuromuscular junction, where nerves connect with muscles. Between a combination of EMG and nerve conduction tests, our team can diagnose conditions like myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome and help clarify the relationship of the patient’s symptoms to an injury or accident.
- Spinal Disorders: Our diagnostic tests can be used to evaluate spinal disorders such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or even spinal cord injuries. These tests will help pinpoint the specific nerve root(s) involved and the likely location of the symptoms.
Schedule Your Clients at Integrity Diagnostics Network
If you’re looking to pinpoint the source of your pain, our physical therapists at Integrity Diagnostics Network are compassionate about your client’s health. We’ll provide quick results for you, your client, and any medical practitioners to ensure your client gets appropriate care!
Call us today to learn more about diagnostic testing and schedule your client for an appointment.
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