If a doctor suspects a patient has nerve damage in the extremities, they might suggest an EMG and/or NCV test to help identify the cause. NCV measures how fast electrical impulses travel through the nerves using small electric shocks on the skin’s surface to evaluate the nerves’ response. Instead, they’re like an EKG - they display images and sounds of electrical waves.Īlthough both EMG and NCV tests are used to help identify the source of pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms, hands, legs and feet, these tests work in different ways.ĮMG measures the muscles’ electrical activity using tiny needles inserted in specific muscles to evaluate the nerve-muscle communication. Unlike an X-ray or MRI, these tests don’t use pictures of body parts to gather information. How Do Tests Work?ĮMG and NCV tests are tools used in electrodiagnostic medicine, or the study of muscle and nerve diseases. These tests evaluate function in the nerves and muscles, helping the specialists who administer them to diagnose and treat the cause of your symptoms. If you’re struggling with muscle or nerve pain, numbness, tingling or weakness, electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) tests may provide answers. But without a cause, they can be even more unnerving. Medical Professionals Relevant information for professionals.Ĭhronic symptoms like numbness, tingling and weakness can be frightening under any circumstances.Patient Information Information for patients and visitors.Find a Physician Find a physician to meet your needs.Services & Specialties Learn more about our services.Find a Location Find a location near you.

Back and leg pain with normal emg