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Patient Education
Why Your Doctor Ordered EMG and NCS
You have been referred for specialized nerve and muscle testing because you may be experiencing symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, and/or muscle cramping. When your referring doctor or healthcare provider suspects that your symptoms may be related to nerve or muscle dysfunction, our electrodiagnostic testing can help pinpoint the underlying cause and provide your referring provider with the detailed information needed to develop an effective treatment plan.
Conditions that Often Require EMG and NCS
Peripheral Neuropathies
Problems with nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
Motor Neuron Diseases
Disorders affecting nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement.
Muscle Disorders (Myopathies)
Problems with the muscles themselves.
Radiculopathies and Plexopathies
Problems with nerve roots or nerve networks.
Other Conditions
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome & Other Causes of Numbness and Tingling in the Upper Extremity
When you experience numbness or tingling in your hands or arms, carpal tunnel syndrome is often the first condition that comes to mind—and for good reason, as it’s the most common cause. However, several other conditions can produce similar symptoms. Understanding the differences is important for getting the right treatment. Here are the four most frequent causes:
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS):
CTS occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed or “pinched” as it passes through the wrist. Think of the median nerve as a tree trunk that branches out to your fingers, providing sensation to the skin and controlling some hand muscles. When compressed, this nerve causes numbness, tingling, or pain in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. You may also notice hand weakness or difficulty gripping objects.
Symptoms are typically worse at night and may wake you from sleep. The discomfort can radiate up into your forearm and even to your shoulder. Many patients find relief with a wrist splint worn during sleep in mild cases. More advanced cases may require a minor surgical procedure to release the pressure on the nerve.
Ulnar Nerve Impingement:
The ulnar nerve—commonly known as the “funny bone nerve”—travels from your neck down through your elbow to your hand. When it becomes irritated at the elbow, you may experience numbness in your ring and little fingers, along with hand weakness.
This condition often develops from a direct blow to the elbow, repetitive elbow bending (such as during weightlifting), or prolonged pressure on the elbow while working at a desk. Sleeping with your elbow bent can also aggravate the nerve.
If your symptoms are uncomfortable, progressive, or affecting your daily activities, consult your healthcare provider. Surgical treatment may be necessary in some cases.
Pinched Nerve in the Neck (Radiculopathy)
Radiculopathy occurs when a nerve becomes compressed as it exits the spine in your neck. This compression typically results from a herniated disc (when the cushioning material between vertebrae bulges out) or from bony narrowing of the space where the nerve exits.
Unlike carpal tunnel syndrome, the pain usually begins in the back of your shoulder and radiates down into your arm, forearm, and hand. Many patients instinctively raise their arm over their head to find relief. Several non-surgical treatments are typically tried before surgery is considered.
Nerve Disease (Neuropathy)
Neuropathy refers to a generalized disease affecting multiple nerves throughout the body. The most common causes are diabetes and hereditary conditions.
Neuropathy typically follows a distinct pattern: it affects the feet first, then progresses to the hands. Unlike the other conditions described above, neuropathy usually causes numbness in the entire hand rather than specific fingers, and the numbness may extend up into the forearm. Various medications can help minimize these symptoms.
How We Can Help
An EMG (electromyography) and nerve conduction study can accurately determine which of these conditions is causing your symptoms, allowing your healthcare provider to recommend the most appropriate treatment. If you’re experiencing persistent numbness, tingling, or weakness, contact your physician to discuss whether EMG testing would be beneficial.
