Q & A:
Q & A:
What To Expect When Referred To A Neurologist
Q: Why am I being referred to a Neurologist?
A: You are experiencing numbness or tingling, pain or cramping, weakness, fatigues, or decreased sensation. A neurologist specializes in electrodiagnostic tests to help diagnose symptoms you are having and how to treat them through the study of diseases of nerve and muscle.
Q: What types of test may be performed?
A: The doctor will commonly perform both a Needle Electromyography Test (EMG) and a Nerve Conduction Velocity Test (NCV), also known as a Nerve Conduction Study. The Needle EMG Test examines how your nerve and muscles are working by the electrical signals made by your muscles. The Nerve Conduction Velocity Test shows how well the body’s electrical signals are traveling to the nerve. It records how the nerve works by applying small electrical shocks.
Q: Are the tests painful?
A: There is mild discomfort with the Needle EMG Test, however most tolerate it very well. For the Nerve Conduction Velocity test there is no pain. You will feel a quick, mild tingling feeling.
Q: How should I prepare for the tests?
A: Make sure to communicate to the doctor if you are taking aspirin, blood thinners (i.e. Coumadin), have hemophilia or have a pacemaker. If you have myasthenia gravis, ask your EMG Specialist if you should take any medications before the test. Remove all oil from you skin and do not use body lotion the day of your test.
Q: When will I receive test results?
The EMG Specialist will discuss results with you and send them to your regular doctor. Check in with your regular doctor who referred you for the next step in your care.
Q: What training does a physician who specializes in EMGs have?
A: Physicians who perform electromyography (EMG) examinations go to 4 years of medical school, then 3-4 more years of training in residency. They have special training in this area.
Q: Who can do the testing?
A: The American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine’s policy is that in order for a doctor to perform an EMG, the doctor needs to be specifically trained in this area. For a NCV test, the doctor should perform this test or a trained technologist under the direct supervision on the doctor.
*Information above provided by AANEM
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