EMG

Electromyography (EMG) provides a safe, minimally invasive way to diagnose injuries and other problems with your muscles or the nerves that control them. At All Valley Rehabilitation, Spine and Pain Institute, in Edinburg, Texas, board-certified physiatrist Nashin Manohar, DO, provides several types of EMG testing, including nerve conduction studies, somatosensory evoked potentials, and brainstem auditory evoked response. Call All Valley Rehabilitation, Spine and Pain Institute today to schedule an EMG consultation, or book your appointment online.

My hands feel numb. Should I consider electromyography (EMG)?

Yes. If you experience tingling or numbness in your hands or feet, a diagnostic EMG can help pinpoint the cause.

During EMG, Dr. Manohar uses tiny needles attached to electrodes to record the electrical activity of your muscles. The needles act like microphones, amplifying and tracking your muscle activity.

EMG readings provide valuable insights into your health and help guide treatment.

What problems can EMG diagnose?

At All Valley Rehabilitation, Spine and Pain Institute, Dr. Manohar uses EMG to diagnose injuries and diseases that affect the motor nerves and muscles, including:

• Peripheral neuropathy
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Pinched nerves
• Muscle disorders (myopathies)
• Conditions that affect motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord
• Conditions affecting the nerve-muscle connections

Depending on your symptoms, Dr. Manohar might recommend additional tests, like bloodwork, diagnostic imaging, or a nerve biopsy.

Are there different types of EMG?

Dr. Manohar offers several types of EMG testing, including:

Nerve conduction studies (NCS)

This test assesses the health of your peripheral nerves (the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord). It measures the flow of electricity through your motor and sensory nerves. If you have tingling or numbness in your limbs or face, an NCS can identify the cause.

Electromyography (EMG)

Dr. Manohar often performs electromyography after nerve conduction. During an EMG, Dr. Manohar places small electrodes on several areas of your skin. He then delivers a series of electrical impulses to shock your nerves and records the response. Depending on your symptoms, Dr. Manohar might ask you to flex specific muscles or lift your limbs.

Somatosensory evoked potential (SEP)

This type of EMG tests for nerve damage in your brain or spinal cord. It assesses your brain’s response to mild electrical stimulation in other parts of your body. The results help Dr. Manohar calculate how long it takes nerve signals to travel from your peripheral nerves to your spinal cord and brain.

Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAERs)

This test measures the electrical signals that your brain produces in response to sounds. Dr. Manohar uses this test to diagnose problems with the auditory nerve, auditory pathway, and brainstem.

How long does an EMG test take?

EMG testing at All Valley Rehabilitation, Spine and Pain Institute averages 60-90 minutes. If you need more than one muscle evaluated, treatment will take longer. After treatment, it’s normal to experience mild bruising and muscle soreness. But these symptoms typically go away within a few days.

Call All Valley Rehabilitation, Spine and Pain Institute today to schedule EMG testing, or make your appointment online.