WE CARE

MDS offers quality and convenient patient care demonstrated by the hundreds of satisfied patients and practitioners who have used our diagnostic services.  MDS offers the convenience of allowing the patient/practitioner to choose where and when the diagnostic tests are performed with operating hours to meet off-hour and weekend schedules.  

 

ABOUT NCV TESTING (Contributed with permission by MedlinePlus.com)

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What is an NCV test and why is it performed?

An NCV test determines the speed of conduction of impulses through a nerve.  This test is used to diagnose nerve damage or destruction.

 

How the test is performed

The nerve is stimulated, usually with surface electrodes, which are patch-like electrodes (similar to those used for ECG) placed on the skin over the nerve at various locations. One electrode stimulates the nerve with a very mild electrical impulse.  The resulting electrical activity is recorded by the other electrodes. The distance between electrodes and the time it takes for electrical impulses to travel between electrodes are used to calculate the nerve conduction velocity.

How to prepare for the test

Normal body temperature must be maintained (low body temperature slows nerve conduction).

 

How the test feels

The impulse given may feel like an electric shock. Depending on how strong the stimulus is, the patient will feel it at varying degrees. It may be uncomfortable for some patients (though only during the actual test and there should be no residual pain once the test is completed).  Often the nerve conduction test is followed by an EMG (electromyography) which involves needles being placed into the muscle and the patient being asked to contract that muscle. This can be uncomfortable during the test, and subsequent muscle soreness from the needles may be experienced as well.

 

Risks

There are essentially no risks

 

Normal & Abnormal results - what do they mean?

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ABOUT EMG TESTING (Contributed with permission by MedlinePlus.com)

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What is an EMG test and why is it performed?

A test that measures muscle response to nervous stimulation (electrical activity within muscle fibers).  EMG is most often used when people have symptoms of weakness, and examination shows impaired muscle strength. It can help to differentiate primary muscle conditions from muscle weakness caused by neurological disorders. EMG can be used to differentiate between true weakness and reduced use because of pain or lack of motivation.

 

How the test is performed

A needle electrode is inserted through the skin into the muscle. The electrical activity detected by this electrode is displayed on an oscilloscope (and may be displayed audibly through a speaker).  Because skeletal muscles are isolated and often large units, each electrode gives only an average picture of the activity of the selected muscle. Several electrodes may need to be placed at various locations to obtain an accurate study.

After placement of the electrode(s), you may be asked to contract the muscle (for example, by bending the arm). The presence, size, and shape of the wave form produced on the oscilloscope (the action potential) provide information about the ability of the muscle to respond to nervous stimulation.
  Each muscle fiber that contracts will produce an action potential, and the size of the muscle fiber affects the rate (how frequently an action potential occurs) and size (amplitude) of the action potential(s).



How to prepare for the test

No special preparation is usually necessary.

 

How the test feels

There may be some discomfort with insertion of the electrodes (similar to an intramuscular injection). Afterward, the examined muscle may feel tender or bruised for a few days.

 

Risks

Bleeding and Infection at the electrode sites (minimal risk)

 

Normal & Abnormal results - what do they mean?

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SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT

Patients usually are scheduled for NCV or EMG testing through their practitioner. Please contact your referring practitioner to schedule an appointment with us.

 

PAYMENT

Most insurance plans will cover NCV/EMG tests.

 

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