Clinical Neurophysiology Services

Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) techniques allow for the stimulation and recording of electrical activity from individual peripheral nerves. This capability is crucial for diagnosing various disorders of peripheral nerves, including Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy and Carpal Tunnel syndrome. Additionally, these NCS tests assist in differentiating between various types of Neuromuscular Disorders, which ultimately aids in selecting the appropriate treatment. Nerve Conduction Studies can also be employed to predict clinical course and treatment efficacy.

Among the most common applications of Nerve Conduction Studies are evaluations for: 

- Diabetic Neuropathy 

- Carpal Tunnel syndrome 

- Inflammatory Neuropathies such as Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) 

- Hereditary Neuropathies 

The testing process typically involves placing small electrodes (stickers) on the skin. After administering a minimal electrical stimulation, the response from the individual nerves is recorded. The electrical stimulation used in these Nerve Conduction Studies is small and well tolerated by nearly all patients.

Important instructions for patients: 

- Please keep your hands and feet warm prior to testing; wearing gloves can help achieve this. 

- We recommend wearing comfortable and loose clothing to allow easy access to your arms and legs. 

- Remember to inform us about your medications, particularly if you are taking any anticoagulants (blood thinners).

Electromyography (EMG) is the clinical study of the electrical activity of the muscles, capturing this activity from specific muscles both at rest and during action. Therefore, the cooperation from the patient is essential in this process.

The EMG test involves inserting a small, sterile fine needle into various muscles to record the electrical signals. This analysis provides crucial information about nerve and muscle disorders, helping to predict prognosis and determine the appropriate treatment options.

As noted, the fine needle used during the electromyography process generally causes minimal discomfort and pain, making it well tolerated by all patients.

Since the test is considered invasive, strict sterile protocols must be adhered to in order to prevent infection. The Neurophysiologist will clean the skin with alcohol and wear gloves throughout the examination, ensuring the safety of Nerve Conduction Studies alongside EMG assessments to comprehensively evaluate neuromuscular disorders.

This procedure involves stimulating the facial nerve on both sides and recording the muscle responses from the corresponding facial muscles. It is particularly useful in cases of Bell's palsy and is often accompanied by Electromyography (EMG) of the facial muscles. Additionally, Nerve Conduction Studies may be performed to further assess the situation. This approach is valuable for cases of Bell's Palsy, especially when recovery has been delayed or when evaluating underlying neuromuscular disorders.

This procedure is useful for diagnosing Myasthenia Gravis, an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that results in weakness not only of the eye and limb muscles but also affects speech and swallowing muscles. Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Studies are often employed in assessing such neuromuscular disorders. This specific test involves fast repetitive electrical stimulations applied to the muscles of the face, shoulder, or little finger. Importantly, no needle is involved, and the test is usually well tolerated. The stimulations should be applied at rest and immediately following muscle exercise to evaluate any fatigability.