Electromyography & Nerve Conduction Studies (EMG – NCS)

• Routine Nerve Conduction, Needle EMG & Conduction Velocity Studies
• Facial Stimulation & Blink Reflex Studies
• Late Response Studies (e.g. H-reflex, F-waves)
• Sympathetic Skin Response (SSR) to evaluate small nerve fibers

Special Studies

• Repetitive Nerve Stimulation (RNS) or Jolly Testing
• Interventional EMG (Laryngeal EMG)
• EMG Guided BOTOX Treatment

Evoked Potential Studies

• Visual Evoked Potential (VEP)
• Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SSEP)
• Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential (BAEP)

Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Velocity Studies or EMG – NCS are neurophysiologic examinations that record the electrical activity of the peripheral nervous system and muscles. The procedure is regarded as an extension of the neurological examination. They provide information on the integrity of the peripheral nervous system, neuromuscular junction and muscles. Vital information may be provided that may help determine if a problem involves the nerves or the muscles, or if it is of a more central etiology as from either the brain or spinal cord.

Vital information may be provided that may help determine if a problem involves the nerves or the muscles, or if it is of a more central etiology as from either the brain or spinal cord. More frequently, the EMG study is utilized as an aid in the diagnosis of cervical and Lumbosacral radiculopathies, plexopathies and distal neuropathies. It is also very important in the diagnosis of muscle diseases.

A routine examination consists of two parts: the nerve conduction study which is accomplished by a neurophysiology technician, and the electromyography proper performed by a physician electromyographer or neurophysiology consultant.

During both procedures the patient will be asked to lie down or sit comfortably depending on what part of the body will be tested. Certain areas of the skin will be cleansed. In NCS, recording and ground electrodes are attached to the skin. A stimulating electrode (stimulator) is held against particular points along the course of the nerve being studied.

Low voltage pulses delivered to a specific nerve through the skin is harmless and is tolerated by all patients.

In electromyography, a disposable needle electrode is inserted into a specific muscle which may be felt as a dull ache or pressure. Other electrodes will also be attached to the skin for electrical grounding and reference, they may also be moved to get the readings from different sections of the muscle. The muscle examined will be tested at rest and during contraction. Other muscles are tested depending on the working diagnosis or the presenting symptoms. In the hands of an experienced electromyographer, the examination is generally well tolerated.

CONSULTANTS

Emmanuel G. Eduardo, MD.
Head

CONSULTANTS

Editha A. Tuason, MD.
Consuelo P. Macalalad, MD.
Marissa B. Lukban, MD.
Filipina T. Cevallos, MD.
Rebecca R. Feliciano, MD.