Electrodiagnostic testing and consultation services with the MSU Department of PM&R physicians are available through:
The EMG Lab at Ingham Regional Medical Center
(517) 377-8252, or
The Rehabilitation Medicine Clinic at the MSU Clinical Center
(517) 355-7648
Electrodiagnostic medicine evaluates nerve and muscle function. It can provide a physician and patient with information about the cause of numbness, tingling, weakness, fatigue, cramping, atrophy,and parasthesias. Some of the common problems for which a consult from electrodiagnostic medicine can be helpful include carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar palsy, footdrop, cervical and lumbar polyneuropathy and radiculopathy, motor neuron disease, neuropathy, myopathy, and myasthenia gravis.
Electrodiagnostic medicine consists of three types of testing:
Nerve Conduction Studies: Tests the nerve's response to signals applied to it via an electric pulse applied to a specific site. The response is recorded as it is detected at another point along the same nerve. The response is tracked by a computer-recording device and is then measured by the physician.
EMG - Electromyagram: Tests the electrical activity of the muscle, via a small needle inserted into the muscle. The physician is able to investigate nerve and muscle integrity by analyzing signals on a scope and listening to the sounds of the activity.
Evoked Potentials: Tests central nervous system pathways that convey signals through the spinal cord, vision, and hearing pathways. Testing is done by applying nerve signals through small electrical pulses to the appropriate area, and measuring the response of the nerve from the skin over the surface of the spinal cord or head.
All electrodiagnostic testing is conducted by one of our physicians, who have completed specific testing through a PM & R residency.