Electrodiagnostic Medicine Specialist

New York Pain Medicine

Pain and Sports Management Physicians & Physical Therapy located in Midtown East, New York, NY

Electrodiagnostic medicine revolutionizes the way physicians diagnose nerve and muscle problems. Using nerve conduction studies and electromyography, Dr. Douglas Allen can tell if your nerves and muscles are working correctly so he can provide more targeted treatment. You can schedule electrodiagnostic testing at New York Pain Medicine. Call or use the online scheduling option to make an appointment at the Midtown East, New York practice.

Electrodiagnostic Medicine Q & A

 

What is electrodiagnostic medicine?

Electrodiagnostic medicine is a subspecialty of neuromuscular medicine that studies the electrical impulses between your nerves and muscles. Practitioners use the information from these nerve tests to diagnose neuromuscular or musculoskeletal disorders.
You may require electrodiagnostic testing if you experience numbness, tingling, or cramping and Dr. Allen suspects a neuromuscular disorder. He uses nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) to test your nerve and muscle function.

What happens during electrodiagnostic tests?

Dr. Allen uses NCS and EMG to study the health of your muscles and nerves.

Nerve conduction study

NCS tests how strong your nerve signals are. During this process, Dr. Allen applies electrodes to your skin at various points along your nerve pathway. Then, he sends electrical impulses through the nerve and the equipment detects how fast the signals travel.
You may feel a slight tingling sensation when the electric impulse travels through your nerves. If the signals are delayed, Dr. Allen can pinpoint a nerve problem.

Electromyography

Electromyography is another electrical test involving needle electrodes that are placed inside the muscle. The electrodes detect electrical activity during rest and muscle contraction.
Dr. Allen has you contract and relax the muscle several times and may move the needles around to check electrical activity from different positions. This test identifies problems with muscles, nerves, or the nerve-muscle connection.

What conditions can you detect with electrodiagnostic tests?

Dr. Allen uses NCS and EMG electrodiagnostic tests to diagnose the following conditions:

  • Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
  • Cervical radiculopathy
  • Lumbar radiculopathy
  • Traumatic nerve injury
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

What happens after electrodiagnostic testing?

Test results are usually available within two to three days. Dr. Allen uses the results from your medical history, physical examination, and electrodiagnostic testing to identify nerve or muscle problems.
He uses electrodiagnostic testing to:

  • Verify diagnosis
  • Monitor disease progression
  • Assess treatment effectiveness

Then, he designs a treatment program based on the test findings.

If you need to schedule electrodiagnostic testing, contact New York Pain Medicine online or over the phone for available appointment times.