Complementary methods for characterizing peripheral nerve function, skeletal muscle and motor-unit physiology.
Nerve conduction studies record electrically evoked sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs) and compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs). Distal latency, amplitude, conduction velocity and waveform morphology characterize selected peripheral nerve responses.
Needle electromyography records activity within selected muscles at rest and during activation. Insertional activity, spontaneous discharges, motor-unit morphology and recruitment provide a different physiologic perspective. Needle EMG requires appropriately qualified licensed professional performance. Neither technique independently establishes a definitive diagnosis.
Nerve conduction studies (NCS) record how electrical impulses travel through peripheral nerves. A licensed medical professional interprets this information with symptoms, examination, and other studies; recorded data alone is not a diagnosis.
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Needle electromyography records electrical activity in selected muscles at rest and during voluntary activation. It provides physiologic evidence about motor units and is interpreted within an electrodiagnostic evaluation rather than as a diagnosis.
Explore the studyRecorded physiologic data support broader clinical evaluation. Licensed medical interpretation, diagnosis and treatment are separate clinical responsibilities. Specific service availability, professional qualifications and arrangements must be verified.