Now accepting Telehealth appointments. Schedule a virtual visit.

EMG NCS Specialist

Neurological Institute of Los Angeles Our Services EMG NCS

Neurological Institute of Los Angeles

Private Medical Practices located in Los Angeles, CA & Tarzana, CA

Severe and chronic pain, loss of function, and unpleasant tingling, burning, or prickling sensations may be due to nerve problems. If you have symptoms of nerve compression or damage, the team at the Neurological Institute of Los Angeles have considerable expertise in conducting electromyogram (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) to identify nerves that aren't functioning as they should. You can find out more about EMG NCS tests by calling one of the practice's offices in Los Angeles, or Glendale, California, or use the online form to schedule a consultation.

EMG NCS Q&A

What is EMG NCS?

EMG and NCS are electrodiagnostic technologies. The Neurological Institute of Los Angeles uses EMG and NCS to diagnose, assess, and treat patients who have problems that could involve nerve dysfunction:

EMG

EMG (electromyogram) measures electrical signals in your muscles, which can identify any nerves that aren't functioning correctly. To perform the test, your provider at the Neurological Institute of Los Angeles inserts very slim needles into specific parts of your muscles. The EMG device records the electrical activity and produces a printout for analysis.

NCS

Nerve conduction studies (NCS), also known as nerve conduction velocity (NCV) tests, also measure nerve function. With NCS, your provider uses precisely calibrated electrical current to activate the nerves, then records how fast and efficiently your nerves respond.
Most often, EMG and NCS take place in one session.

How do EMG and NCS help diagnose nerve problems?

Your nerves communicate using electricity. Your brain and spinal cord (central nervous system or CNS) send messages to the nerves around your body, which then transmit instructions to your muscles. All of these signals use electrical impulses.

EMG and NCS measure the speed of response and the strength of the electrical impulses in your nerves and muscles, which can help to isolate the nerves that aren't working properly.

It could be that your nerves aren't getting the messages from your CNS as they should, or it might be that they aren't communicating the right message to your muscles. The result is unpleasant symptoms such as:

  • Pain
  • Loss of function
  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Weakness
  • "Pins-and-needles" sensation

Locating the nerve or nerves that are causing these problems using EMG and NCS enables the Neurological Institute of Los Angeles team to treat your condition correctly.

What might EMG and NCS show?

EMG and NCS can help in the diagnosis of conditions such as:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Nerve complications
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Pinched nerves
  • Guillain-BarrĂ© syndrome
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease)

To find out more about EMG and NCS and how they could benefit you, call the Neurological Institute of Los Angeles today or book an appointment online.