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Electrodiagnostic Medicine

Electrodiagnostic Medicine

Electrodiagnostic medicine is the practice of evaluating the health of the patient’s muscles and nerve cells. Many patients that seek Electrodiagnostic medicine treatment experience symptoms including muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, tingling and often numbness in their limbs.

Electrodiagnostic testing is the process of evaluating the electrical activity of muscles and nerves. Electrodiagnostic testing evaluates the neurological system within the patient’s body. An Electrodiagnostic test is based on the patient’s history and physical findings observed by the doctor. The data produced by the computer will be used as an assistant to the patient’s physical findings and the proper therapy will be determined. The physical exam helps determine what nerves/muscles will be studied. This helps the doctor form better diagnostic impressions that are more specific to a testing area. Testing cannot be done on areas of any open wound or infected area.

An Electrodiagnostic medicine doctor has special training in Electrodiagnostic medicine procedures. Learning the skills of this trade help the doctor safely and accurately treat the patient. The exam takes around a half hour to an entire hour. There are no lasting effects after the testing is completed.

EMG or Electromyogram

One of the tests used to evaluate the patient is needle electromyography (EMG). An Electromyogram (EMG) test consists of a specialized doctor inserting a small needle into a muscle to record the electrical activity of the muscle. The needle may cause some mild discomfort. The data is transmitted to a computer that records the test results. The doctor analyzes the results by reading the graphs, sounds and other data produced by the computer. The results will show if the nerve or muscle is performing correctly or if there are some abnormalities within it. The referring physician will use the results to decide on the proper treatment for the patient. EMG studies are typical performed as part of a Pain and Rehabilitation program. Specialized Pain and Rehabilitation Medicine practices typically accept insurance payments for EMG studies.

Another type of EMG test requires the doctor to tape electrodes to the patient’s skin to measure the strength and quickness of signals traveling between two distances within the patient’s body.

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About SpineTeam Spokane | Spine Conditions: Back Pain, Neck Pain, Degenerative Disc Disease, Herniated Disc, Bone Spur, Spondylolsis, Facet Joint Disease, Kyphosis, Scoliosis, Stenosis, Spine Tumor | Treatment: Physical Medicine, Injection Therapy, Nonsurgical Spine Care, Physical Therapy, Home Remedies | Educational Resources | Patient Center | Contact our Spokane, Washington locations | Sitemap

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