Pain, weakness, tingling, and numbness are symptoms that can be present when there’s been an injury to the nerves or muscles, and they can be physically debilitating. Finding the right treatment for these symptoms requires insight into the precise source of the pain. Electrodiagnostic testing in Denver can reveal how well your nerves and muscles are working and determine the existence, type, and extent of any damage that’s present.
Identifying the exact source of pain is an important step toward restoring your health. And we can help with that at McWhorter CNR.
What is Electrodiagnostic Testing?
The different parts of the body communicate through electrical signaling that delivers messages to and from your brain. Damage to nerves or muscles can impact these signals and impose other health issues. Through electrodiagnostic testing in Denver, your physician can measure these signals to detect damaged nerves or muscles.
Not all tingling or numbness calls for electrodiagnostic testing (also called EDX testing). The severity and symptoms of your condition will inform your physician of the appropriate treatments that you need. That said, you may benefit greatly from electrodiagnostic testing if you experience:
- A car accident and nerve pain
- Numbness and tingling in your hands or feet
- Pain in your hands
- Excessive muscle twitching
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Herniated discs
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Other peripheral nervous system disorders
How is Electrodiagnostic Testing Performed
An electrodiagnostic test includes two main components: (1) a needle electromyographic examination (EMG) and (2) nerve conduction studies (NCS).
- Electromyography Examination (EMG) – In this test for muscle function, a small, thin, needle-like probe is inserted into muscle tissue in order to evaluate the connection between the muscle and the nerve.
- Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) – Flat electrodes are attached to the patient’s skin over the affected nerve. Several small electrical pulses are applied to the nerve, and the resulting electrical activity is recorded. Depending on the symptoms, several nerves may be tested.
To perform nerve conduction studies, our physician will adhere small surface electrodes onto the skin and apply a brief electric stimulus to one portion of the nerve. That nerve stimulation will cause a tingling sensation. Your physician will then evaluate the electrical response of the nerve or the muscle to which the nerve is attached, and determine if the nerve impulse is conducted normally. Nerve damage and its severity are determined when nerve conduction is either slow, low amplitude, or not at all present.
Electrodiagnostic medicine, specifically nerve conduction studies, and electromyography can help to localize a neurological issue that may be causing a patient’s symptoms. These findings may also help guide treatment decisions (e.g., conservative treatment vs surgery, etc.) by assessing the severity of the condition.
At McWhorter CNR, we will forward your EMG/NCS results immediately to your referring physician, who will then be able to coordinate further treatment. The time required for an EMG/NCS study is approximately one hour. There are no restrictions on activities before or after the test and there are no permanent after-effects.
Get Electrodiagnostic Testing in Denver from McWhorter CNR
If you are experiencing weakness, tingling, or pain sensations and suspect nerve or muscle damage, make an appointment with McWhorter CNR. We provide effective, yet timely exams for the benefit, comfort, and knowledge of our patients. Our electrodiagnostic testing service can help you find the results you need to feel your healthiest self.
Contact us at McWhorter CNR today to learn more about EDX in Denver.