Most of us are familiar with the first two non-invasive techniques: X-rays, which are usually used to determine injuries to the bone and an MRI, which detects soft tissue injuries. However, you may be less familiar with electrodiagnostic testing, which helps diagnose disorders of the nerves and muscles.
Electrodiagnostic testing is performed in our offices by one of our board-certified physicians. There are two types:
- Electromyography (EMG), which tests muscle activity
- Nerve conduction studies, which record how nerves function and are usually done along with the EMG
Each test uses electrical stimulation of nerves and muscles, lasts about one hour and is often the best approach to diagnosing conditions that affect the nerves, such as sciatica, neuropathies, myopathies, carpal tunnel syndrome and other nerve entrapments.