What is EMG?

Electromyography (EMG) is a medical test used to evaluate the health and function of skeletal muscles and the motor neurons that control them. Every voluntary movement in the body begins with an electrical signal from the brain, transmitted through the spinal cord to motor nerves, which then stimulate muscles to contract. EMG measures how muscles respond to these electrical signals and can detect abnormalities in muscle activity or nerve-to-muscle communication.


Purpose of EMG

EMG helps diagnose conditions affecting muscles, nerves, or the connection between them. It can identify:

  • Peripheral nerve disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or peripheral neuropathy.
  • Muscle diseases, including muscular dystrophy or myopathies
  • Disorders affecting nerve-to-muscle signal transmission, like myasthenia gravis.


The test can determine the presence, location, and severity of neuromuscular abnormalities, guiding treatment decisions.


Call 903-255-7920 to schedule your EMG testing today.

A woman is laying on a table getting a healing treatment from a doctor.

NCS stands for "Nerve Conduction Study"

What is a Nerve Conduction Study?

A nerve conduction study (NCS) is a medical test used to assess how well the peripheral nerves—the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord—are functioning. It measures the speed and strength of electrical signals traveling through motor nerves, which control muscles, and sensory nerves, which carry sensations like touch, pain, and temperature to the brain.


Clinical Uses

NCS helps diagnose and evaluate conditions affecting the peripheral nervous system, including:

  • Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage from diabetes, infections, or toxins)
  • Nerve compression syndromes (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome)
  • Radiculopathy (nerve root compression, such as sciatica)
  • Nerve injuries from trauma or surgery
  • Neuromuscular disorders affecting nerve-to-muscle communication


When is NCS Recommended?

Doctors may recommend an NCS if a patient experiences numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in the arms, legs, hands, or feet. It is also used to differentiate between nerve and muscle disorders and to plan interventions such as surgery or rehabilitation.