Electrodiagnostic Testing
What is Electrodiagnosis?
Electrodiagnosis, unlike many routine medical tests such as urinalysis or a blood study, is an extension of the doctor’s physical examination. The electrodiagnostic evaluation should be performed by a physician who has special training in electromyography, as do the physicians at Colorado Rehabilitation and Occupational Medicine.
The time required to complete the study varies, but it generally takes approximately 60 minutes. There are no restrictions relative to activities before or after the test, and there are no permanent aftereffects.
Electrodiagnostic studies can be helpful in evaluating weakness, numbness, pain, and symptoms such as fatigue, cramps, and abnormal sensations. The two main procedures used to study nerves and muscles are the needle electromyographic examination (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS).
What is an Electromyographic Exam?
During an EMG, the physician studies the electrical activity in muscles by inserting a fine needle electrode into selected muscles. Needle insertion may cause mild, temporary discomfort. The needle is not used for injection and no shocks are given. The physician can determine whether the muscle is working normally by viewing the electrical activity displayed on a screen, while listening to audible signals transmitted over a speaker. Disposable (single use only) needles are discarded after use to prevent the transmission of AIDS, hepatitis and other infectious diseases.
What is a Nerve Conduction Study?
To perform nerve conduction studies, the physician tapes small metal electrodes onto the skin and applies a brief electric stimulus to one portion of the nerve. Nerve stimulation will cause a tingling sensation. The physician can then evaluate the electrical response of the nerve or muscle to which the nerve is attached, and determine if the nerve impulse is conducted normally; conducted at a slow speed or not transmitted at all, suggesting damage to the nerve.
Results:
The electrodiagnostic physician interprets the results of the studies and forwards the EMG/NCS results to your referring physician, who will then be able to coordinate further treatment.
A Few Important Notes:
- A significant block of time has been set aside for your EMG study. Please be prompt on your arrival time, and if it is necessary to cancel or re-schedule your appointment, please notify our office at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment.
- Children are prohibited from being in the exam room during an electrodiagnostic evaluation, as we cannot provide supervision. Please make necessary child care arrangements in advance of your appointment.
Which CROM Physicians Offer Electrodiagnostic Testing and at Which Offices?
AURORA
830 Potomac Cir. #290
Aurora, CO 80011
Usama H. Ghazi, D.O.
Barry Ogin, M.D.
Dave Reinhard, M.D.
George Schakaraschwili, M.D. |
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DENVER
2480 W. 26th Ave.
Building B, Suite 90
Denver, CO 80211
Usama H. Ghazi, D.O.
George V. Schakaraschwili, M.D. |
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CROM-DTC Office
8200 E Belleview Avenue, Suite 380E
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Gretchen Brunworth, M.D.
Scott Primack, D.O. |
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ENGLEWOOD (Hampden Place)
401 W. Hampden Place, Suite 220
Englewood, CO 80112
Barry A. Ogin, M.D. |
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FORT COLLINS
1300 Oakridge Drive, Suite 100
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Michael B. Tracy D.O., M.S. |
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FORT COLLINS OFFICE at Orthopedic Center of the Rockies
2500 East Prospect Road
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Scott Primack, D.O.
Dave Reinhard, M.D. |
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LITTLETON / SOUTHWEST
8246 W. Bowles, Suite T
Littleton, CO 80123
Jill A. Castro, M.D.
Scott J. Primack, D.O. |
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LONGMONT
205 S Main Street, Suite C
Longmont, CO 80501
Michael B. Tracy D.O., M.S. |
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LOVELAND OFFICE at Orthopedic Center of the Rockies
2923 Ginnala Drive
Loveland, CO 80538
Dave Reinhard, M.D. |
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THORNTON
9351 Grant St. #100
Thornton, CO 80229
Roberta Anderson-Oeser, M.D.
Usama H. Ghazi, D.O.
Lawrence Lesnak, D.O.
Michael B. Tracy D.O., M.S. |
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WHEAT RIDGE
9830 W. I-70 Frontage Road South, Suite B
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Jill A. Castro, M.D. |
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