Neurodiagnostics Center

If you are experiencing back or limb pain, headaches, seizure or muscle problems, your doctor may need to test you for nerve or brain injuries and he or she may refer you to the Neurodiagnostics Center at St. Vincent Charity Hospital. The Center works with your physician to test brain and nerve activity in order to diagnose your problem and help determine how you should be treated. You may receive an EEG or EMG.

EEG

An EEG (ElectroEncephaloGram or brain wave test) is a procedure that uses sensors (electrodes) on your scalp that are connected to a computer to record electrical activity of your brain. The computer records your brain's activity. Certain abnormalities can be detected by observing the pattern of brain waves. It is used for detection of problems such as epilepsy, seizures, coma and brain death.

An EEG is a painless test that usually takes an hour or so. You will not feel anything out of the ordinary during the EEG recording. The EEG is a very safe test. The electrical discharges produced by your brain are recorded, but no electrical current is put into your body.

EMG

An EMG (ElectroMyoGram) is a two-part electrical test of nerves and muscles. In the first part of the test, the doctor tests nerve conductivity by attaching small electrodes to two points on the arm or leg and delivering a small electric shock, usually painlessly. This process measures how well individual nerves can transmit electrical signals. The second part of the test is a needle examination that tests the muscle to check for damage. Measuring the electrical activity in muscles and nerves can help detect damage to the muscles and nerves. It is used for detection of pinched nerves, nerve entrapment, or a nerve injury, such as carpel tunnel syndrome.

The electrical activity in the muscle is displayed as wavy and spiky lines on a monitor and may also be heard on a speaker as popping sounds. The activity may also be recorded.

An EMG may take 1/2 to 1 1/2 hours. With EMG testing, you will feel a brief, sharp pain each time a needle electrode is inserted into the muscle. Some people find this part of the test very uncomfortable. After EMG testing, some soreness and a tingling sensation may persist for a day or two.

With the nerve conduction studies, you will feel a brief, electrical shock that is usually painless, a tingling sensation, and a twitching of the muscle each time the electrical pulse is applied. Keep in mind that a very low-voltage electrical current is used, and each electrical pulse is brief (less than a millisecond).

The EMG is safe. With the EMG, you may develop small bruises or swelling from the needles. There are no risks associated with nerve conduction studies. Nothing is inserted into the skin, so there is no risk of infection.

About Our Neurologist

Dr. Robert Richardson is the Director of Neurology and the Center for Neurodiagnostics at St. Vincent Charity Hospital. He is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine. He is a graduate of Stanford University and medical graduate of Case Western Reserve University. He is an active member of the American Academy of Neurology and a fellow member of the American Academy of Electrodiagnostic Medicine. His research has been published in several prestigious publications including the Journal of Clinical Neuromuscular Disease and Muscle and Nerve. He is highly qualified and experienced in the areas of general adult neurology and electromyography.