& Aesthetic Medicine
Electro Diagnostic Studies
Electro Diagnostic Studies
Electrodiagnostic studies are medical tests that measure the electrical activity of muscles and nerves. They are mainly used to diagnose, evaluate, and treat neuromuscular disorders, radiculopathies and peripheral neuropathies. There are 2 components : Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Study (NCS). These tests can help determine the nature, location, and severity of the nerve or muscle disorder and guide the course of treatment.
Electromyography (EMG)
EMG measures the electrical activity in muscles. It involves inserting a needle electrode through the skin into the muscle. When the muscle is at rest and when it's contracted, the electrical activity is observed and recorded. EMG can help diagnose conditions such as muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, and disorders of nerves connecting to
muscles.
Nerve Conduction Study (NCS)
NCS measures how fast an electrical impulse moves through a nerve. Electrodes are attached to the skin above the nerve, and a small electric shock is given to the nerve to stimulate it. The resulting electrical activity is recorded by the other electrodes. The speed of the electrical impulses in the nerve is then calculated. NCS can diagnose nerve compression or entrapment (such as carpal tunnel syndrome), nerve damage due to diseases (like diabetes), or nerve injury.
Process of Electrodiagnostic Studies
- Patient Preparation: The patient is usually asked to relax and may be positioned lying down or sitting up, depending on the muscles and nerves being tested.
- Placement of Electrodes: For NCS, surface electrodes are placed on the skin over the nerve being tested. For EMG, a needle electrode is inserted into the muscle being tested.
- Stimulation and Recording: For NCS, the nerve is stimulated, and the resulting electrical activity is recorded. For EMG, the electrical activity in the muscle is recorded at rest and during contraction.
- Analysis and Interpretation: The recorded data are analyzed to assess the health of nerves and muscles
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