What does abnormal electrodiagnostic study mean?

An abnormal EMG result means there is a problem in an area of muscle activity—turning on and off, when it is active, how much it is active, if it is more or less active, and fatigue. This can offer a clue in diagnosing various nerve and muscle conditions. Learn more in 10 Conditions Diagnosed With an EMG.

What is an electrodiagnostic report?

The Electrodiagnostic evaluation is considered to be an extension of the neurological examination of the peripheral nervous system. At times it can reveal some dysfunction of the nerves and muscles, which was not detected in the physical exam.

What is electrodiagnostic testing used for?

Electrodiagnostic testing measures electrical activity produced by muscles and nerves in your body, and it is used to determine if you have an injury related to nerve or muscle function. There are two primary types of electrodiagnostic tests: electromyography and nerve conduction studies.

What happens if EMG is abnormal?

An abnormal EMG result will present a bizarre pattern, with strange wave shapes. There is electrical activity even while at rest, and the electrical activity (produced by motor neurons) is abnormal during contraction of a muscle. Abnormal results indicate nerve dysfunction, muscle injury, or muscle disorders.

Can nerve damage be repaired?

Sometimes a section of a nerve is cut completely or damaged beyond repair. Your surgeon can remove the damaged section and reconnect healthy nerve ends (nerve repair) or implant a piece of nerve from another part of your body (nerve graft). These procedures can help your nerves regrow.

What diseases can an EMG detect?

An EMG can be used to diagnose a wide variety of neuromuscular diseases, motor problems, nerve injuries, or degenerative conditions, such as:

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Cervical spondylosis.
  • Guillain-Barre syndrome.
  • Lambert-Eaton syndrome.
  • Muscular dystrophy.
  • Myasthenia gravis.

Why would a doctor order a nerve conduction test?

Nerve conduction studies are done to: Find and evaluate damage to all the nerves that lead away from the brain and spinal cord to the smaller nerves that branch out from them. Help diagnose nerve disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Is electrodiagnostic testing painful?

Nerve conduction studies also may be used during treatment to test the progress being made. Although you may initially be startled by the suddenness of the stimulation, it is not painful and most people are comfortable during the testing procedure.

Is EMG a electrodiagnostic study?

Video: What is EMG/NCS? An electrodiagnostic study measures the electrical activity in nerves and muscles. This testing may be ordered to help diagnose the cause of neck or back pain, particularly if the pain is accompanied by tingling, numbness, and/or weakness.

Can nerve damage be repaired in the back?

While spinal cord nerves cannot heal themselves, peripheral nerves have the ability to regenerate. If both the nerve and the outer insulation are cut, the nerve will need to be fixed to regain function. Otherwise, it will for a painful nerve scar, called a neuroma.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kkIvP1jNLA