Electromyography (EMG) & Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)

Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) are specialized diagnostic tests that evaluate the health and function of your nerves and muscles. These tests help diagnose conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, pinched nerves (radiculopathy), sciatica, peripheral neuropathy, nerve injuries, muscle disorders, and unexplained numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness. During the NCS portion, small electrical impulses are applied to measure how well your nerves conduct signals. The EMG uses a very fine sterile needle electrode to evaluate muscle activity and determine whether your symptoms originate from the nerves, muscles, or spine. Together, these tests help your physician accurately diagnose the cause of your symptoms and develop the most appropriate treatment plan.

Most EMG/NCS examinations take 30–60 minutes and are well tolerated. The electrical stimulation feels like brief, mild pulses, while the EMG needle may cause temporary discomfort in some muscles but is much smaller than a typical injection needle. To prepare for your appointment, do not apply lotion, creams, oils, or moisturizers to your hands, feet, arms, or legs on the day of your test, as these can interfere with the NCS electrodes. Wear comfortable clothing, continue your usual medications unless instructed otherwise, and inform your physician if you take blood thinners or have a pacemaker or other implanted electrical device.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does an EMG hurt? Most patients tolerate it very well. You may feel brief electrical pulses during the NCS and mild, temporary discomfort during the EMG.

• Will I get my results the same day? Yes. Your study is interpreted by the physician performing the test, and the findings are discussed with you during your visit whenever possible.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Our Vestibular Rehabilitation program is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to reduce dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, motion sensitivity, and fall risk caused by disorders of the inner ear and balance system. Treatment is individualized for patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, Ménière's disease, concussion, age-related balance problems, gait instability, and other vestibular or neurologic conditions. Following a comprehensive evaluation, our physical therapists work closely with our physician to develop a personalized treatment plan focused on restoring balance, improving mobility, and helping you regain confidence in your daily activities.

Treatment may include canalith repositioning maneuvers (such as the Epley maneuver), gaze stabilization exercises, habituation exercises, balance and gait training, computerized dynamic balance training, postural control exercises, and individualized home exercise instruction. Rehabilitation incorporates a variety of therapeutic techniques and equipment, including balance foam, balance trainers, parallel bars, and functional task-oriented activities such as ball-catching and coordination exercises to improve balance, reaction time, coordination, and fall prevention. Our goal is to reduce symptoms, restore function, and help you safely return to work, recreation, and everyday activities with greater confidence and independence.

Videonystagmography (VNG)

Videonystagmography (VNG) is a specialized, non-invasive diagnostic test used to evaluate dizziness, vertigo, balance disorders, and inner ear function. By recording your eye movements during a series of tests, VNG helps determine whether your symptoms are caused by an inner ear (vestibular) disorder or a condition affecting the central nervous system. It is commonly used to evaluate conditions such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, Ménière's disease, unexplained dizziness, imbalance, and recurrent falls.

Most VNG examinations take 45–60 minutes and are well tolerated. During the test, you will wear specialized goggles while following visual targets and performing gentle head and body position changes. Some portions of the test may briefly reproduce your dizziness, but the sensation usually resolves quickly. To prepare for your appointment, avoid alcohol for 24 hours before testing and avoid caffeine, nicotine, and vestibular suppressants (such as meclizine, diazepam, or dimenhydrinate) for 24–48 hours, unless otherwise instructed by your physician. Please arrive without eye makeup, especially mascara or false eyelashes, as these can interfere with the recording equipment.