EMG/NCS and
Diagnosing Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Using EMG (electromyography) to Diagnose Diabetic Neuropathy

Electromyography (EMG) is a technique for evaluating and recording the activation signal of muscles. EMG is performed using an instrument called an electromyograph, to produce a record called an electromyogram. An electromyograph detects the electrical potential generated by muscle cells when these cells are mechanically active, and also when the cells are at rest. EMG is one way of diagnosing Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Using NCS (Nerve Conduction Studies) to Diagnose Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

A nerve conduction study (NCS) is a test commonly used to evaluate the function, especially the ability of electrical conduction, of the motor and sensory nerves of the human body. Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) is a common measurement made during this test. The term NCV often is used to mean the actual test, but this may be misleading since velocity is only one measurement in the test suite.

Diagnosing Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

If you have any of these symptoms you should make an appointment to see your physician. Your physician will check your blood pressure, heart rate, muscle strength, reflexes, and sensitivity to position changes, vibration, temperature, or light touch. Depending on how your exam goes and the symptoms you are reporting, other tests may be required - from something as simple as blood work to something as complex as a MRI. All of these results will be put together and a diagnosis will be given.