are emg's diagnostic tests
Electromyography, or EMG, involves testing the electrical activity of muscles. Often, EMG testing is performed with another test that measures the conducting function of nerves. This is called a nerve conduction study. Because both tests are often performed at the same office visit and by the same personnel, the risks and procedures generally apply to both tests. Muscular movement involves the action of muscles and nerves and needs an electrical current. The neurologist will also look for signs such as pain, loss of sensation, or extra-pyramidal rigidity, which is a different type of muscle rigidity that is frequently seen in Parkinson’s type disorders. Step 2: Diagnostic Tests The next step in the diagnostic process often involves a series of test. These typically include an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the neck, and sometimes of the head and lower spine, an EMG (electromyography) which tests nerve conduction, and a series of blood tests. Sometimes urine tests, genetic tests, or a lumbar puncture (also called a spinal tap) are also necessary. There is a chart at the end of this section which explains this disease a bit more. The first portion of the EMG also tests whether the nerves that communicate sensation are affected, which may also indicate a disease other than ALS. The second part of the EMG tests the electrical activity of selected muscles. Finding and describing these electrical properties in the muscle or nerve may help the doctor diagnose the patient's condition. EMG may aid with the diagnosis of nerve compression or injury (such as carpal tunnel syndrome), nerve root injury (such as sciatica), and with other problems of the muscles or nerves. Less common medical conditions include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and muscular dystrophy. Learn more about how ALS diagnosed, including the clinicians and specialists involved, the neurological exam and diagnostic testing. 1  Clinic: 617-724-3914 Neurology Access Center: 1-855-MGH-NEUR (644-6387). However, in the small number of. cases which require testing in excess of the numbers listed in the table (the AANEM. estimates 10% of cases), the physician should provide supplementary documentation to. justify the additional testing. The strength of the response also provides clues to help with diagnosis and to determine the extent of the disease. In ALS, the speed of the nerves is usually slowed, but compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) may be decreased. EMG measures nerve impulses within the muscles. Therefore, effective for dates of service on or after October 1, 2002, this test will not be covered by Medicare. D. Nerve conduction studies performed independent of needle electromyography (EMG) may only provide a portion of the information needed to diagnose muscle, nerve root, and most nerve disorders. Lou Gehrig's disease is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of other neuromuscular disorders, many of which are treatable. The diagnosis is usually based on a complete neurological examination and clinical tests. Diagnostic Tests for ALS. Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and electromyography (EMG) help diagnose nerve and muscle disorders. These tests, which can be used in combination, are often referred to as EMG/NCV studies. NCV is administered before EMG and measures the speed at which nerves transmit electrical signals.
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