Suffering From Numbness and a Tingling Sensation: Our Advanced NCS/EMG Testing Can Diagnose the Caus

Do you feel a constant tingling in your hands? Maybe you experience sudden numbness in your legs. These symptoms often point to nerve issues like peripheral neuropathy.

At Advanced Pain & Spine Management, our providers have extensive experience diagnosing complex nerve conditions. We serve patients in Arlington Heights and Bloomingdale, Illinois.

To find the root cause of your pain, we use advanced diagnostic testing. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) are the gold standards. These tests show us exactly how your nerves and muscles are functioning.

What should you expect during NCS and EMG testing?

During these tests, we measure how quickly and strongly electrical signals travel through your nerves. An NCS uses small stickers on your skin to send mild electrical pulses, while an EMG uses a thin needle to record muscle activity.

 Cold skin can alter your test results. The American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine recommends warming your skin if it falls below a certain temperature, as cold tissues slow down electrical signals and falsely mimic nerve damage. 

If you arrive with cold hands or feet, we help you warm them prior to testing.

EMGs typically take 30 to 60 minutes to complete. An NCS can vary depending on the number of muscles and nerves we’re testing, and may be between 15 minutes to an hour or more.

How do we keep your testing safe and personalized?

Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. We customize every test to your needs to ensure accurate results and make the process as smooth as possible. 

Before we begin, we review your health status, medical history, current prescriptions, and any implanted devices. For patients who take blood thinning medications, we use the smallest needles and apply extra pressure to prevent bleeding.

We also need to know if you have a pacemaker. If you do, we adjust the electrical pulses to keep you safe. Our team takes these steps for every patient.

What if your nerve test results are normal?

A normal test result does not mean your pain or numbness is not real. It simply means your large, myelinated nerve fibers are healthy.

Standard NCS and EMG tests are highly specific. However, these tests cannot detect small-fiber neuropathy. Small fibers transmit pain and temperature sensations. If these microscopic fibers are damaged, your nerve test may still look normal.

If your results are normal, we do not stop there. We look at the whole picture to find the cause of your discomfort. We also treat related conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica pain.

You do not have to live with unexplained numbness or tingling. Our experienced team can help you find answers and lasting relief. To take the next step, please schedule a visit at Advanced Pain & Spine Management in Arlington Heights or Bloomingdale, Illinois, today.