Diagnostic Tests

Electromyography (EMG)

Electromyography (EMG) is used to evaluate the functioning of individual muscles and the nerves that control them. Muscles move when nerve signals tell them to. An EMG is able to measure how well the muscles are responding to these signals. To complete this testing, a small needle electrode is inserted into the muscle of concern, which measures the electrical activity of that muscle being received from the nerve.

A nerve conduction study (NCS) is often used in conjunction with an EMG. An NCS uses electrode stickers to measure the speech and strength of the nerve signals between two points.

MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the structures inside your body. This testing is noninvasive and painless. It does not use radiation. The MRI machine is a large, tube-shaped structure that you are placed inside of for the images to be taken.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound is a noninvasive and painless form of imaging that involves placing a probe on the outside of the body over the suspected site of the injury, producing imaging using high-frequency sound. This is a quick and simple test to evaluate for imflammation or damage to a peripheral nerve.