Electrodiagnostic examinations consist of nerve conduction studies and electromyograms.  The studies are commonly referred to as EMG or NCS. The nerve conduction study determines how fast and how well nerves conduct impulses.  The study is normally performed by connecting small metal rings or plates to the areas of interest (generally the arms or legs), and sending a signal to each nerve of interest and recording the response of that nerve over its course. The electromyogram is performed by placing a small needle in each muscle of interest and recording the activity from that muscle.

Electrodiagnostic examinations are used to find out about disease that may cause damage to the nerves, muscles, or junctions between nerve and muscle.  Examples include, but are not limited to peripheral neuropathy (peripheral nerve disease) myopathy (diseases of the muscles and cervical or lumbar radiculopathy (damage to the nerves as they come out of their holes in the neck and low back.) These studies can be very helpful for your physician in putting together information from the history that you have given him/her, your physical examination, imaging studies (X-rays, CT scan, MRIs), and/or blood work to determine the best course of treatment.