NERVE TESTING | Spears Pain & Rehab

Electrodiagnostics

Part 1 of 3: preparing for the test

Anticipate 5-15 minutes of testing per extremity.

Generally 2 extremities are tested, even if you have symptoms on just one side (the other side would be used as your normal comparison for reference).

The amount of time that the test takes depends on your age, medical conditions, severity of nerve damage (if present), and other factors.

Keep the arm(s) and/or leg(s) warm (room temperature) prior to the study. This will minimize artifact from having a cold extremity, which can interfere the results.

If you are planning on a nerve study of your legs, please bring shorts with you. If you are planning on a nerve study of your arms, please wear a short sleeve t-shirt or tank top. It helps to be comfortable during the test, and our disposable shorts and shirts are not as comfortable as your own clothes.

You will need to remove any metal jewelry and watches either prior to or during the test.

Although Dr Spears is capable of giving medical advice based on the findings, he only has a narrow view of a bigger picture of your present illness. The provider who ordered the test is ultimately responsible for further management based on the test results.

The results will be summarized by Dr Spears at the end of the test and a report will be sent to your referring provider. If further questions on Dr Spears' advice are desired, an appointment on a non-procedure day would be needed so that he can comprehensively review your present illness.

Electrodiagnostics

Part 2 of 3: nerve functioning

Electrodiagnostics

Part 3 of 3: what to expect

The Test

In order to record nerve function, an electrical stimulus "small shock" must be delivered to part of the nerve. It is then recorded in another portion of the nerve or a muscle supplied by that nerve. Most people find that it is startling, especially on the first stimulation, but not painful. Rarely, the study is painful for some people. If that is the case, the test may need to be modified to avoid causing pain. However, the study would be incomplete. Most people get through the study.

The second part of the test, which is the needle electromyography, is when the physician inserts a needle tip into a muscle to record its electrical activity. If that muscle has lost nerve supply, it will make certain waveforms and sounds that can help identify where nerve damage would be coming from (if nerve damage is severe enough to involve the muscle). Although this portion of the test is shorter than the nerve conduction study, it is typically more painful, especially in the hand. I find that most people are willing to go through with the test as they have already been suffering from pain severe enough to tolerate the test and get answers about what is wrong with their nerves. In turn, this helps guide treatment.

Electrodiagnostic Testing (EDX)
= Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) +/- Electromygraphy (EMG)

Our clinic features a brand new 2023 electrodiagnostic testing equipment and software from Cadwell Industries with a 27" high-resolution display monitor.

Dr. Spears can record the electrical activity of your nerves and muscles with the most crystal clear recordings and sounds available on the market.

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Electrodiagnostics

Part 1 of 3: preparing for the test

Electrodiagnostics

Part 2 of 3: nerve functioning

Electrodiagnostics

Part 3 of 3: what to expect

Electrodiagnostic Testing (EDX) = Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) +/- Electromygraphy (EMG)

Electrodiagnostic Testing (EDX)
= Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) +/- Electromygraphy (EMG)