He is proud to offer “painless EMG’s” to his patients. Over the years, he has mastered the ability to perform these studies with little to no discomfort. Some practices in the Hampton Roads area utilize technicians to perform the nerve conduction part of the examination. At Gershon Pain Specialists, only Dr. Gershon will perform your test. This test will help to diagnose, evaluate, and treat neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and nervous system disorders.
These studies are typically ordered for patients who are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms: pain, numbness, tingling, burning, weakness or paralysis.
There are two parts to an electrodiagnostic study. Part 1 is known as the nerve conduction study and part 2 is the EMG. Nerve conduction studies show how well the body’s electrical signals are traveling to a nerve. This is done by applying small electrical impulses to the nerve and recording the nerve’s response. It measures the amount and speed of conduction of the electrical impulse through the nerve.
During the EMG portion of the exam, a small, thin needle is inserted into several muscles. It is used once for each patient and is thrown away after the test. Dr. Gershon uses the smallest needles possible. The needles are thinner than a hair on your head. Dr. Gershon will be able to hear and see how your muscles and nerves are working by the electrical signals made by your muscles. He then uses his medical knowledge to figure out what could be causing your problem.
The typical test lasts 20 minutes or less. You can do any of your normal activities, like eating, driving, and exercising, before the test. There are no lasting side effects. You also can do your normal activities after the test including driving.
Please let us know at least 3 days before your test if you are taking any blood thinners (ex. Coumadin, Pradaxa, Xarelto, Eliquis). Aspirin and Plavix pose no problems. Let us know the day of your test if you have a pacemaker, or have hemophilia.
The day of your test take a bath or shower to remove oil from your skin. You may use deodorant. However, do not use sprays, creams, body lotion, oils or Vaseline on the day of the test. Dress in clothes that permit access to the area to be tested or that are easily removed. Men should bring a pair of shorts, women shorts and either a sports bra or work-out top.
The results of the test will be available immediately following the test. If you were referred to our practice by an outside physician, your doctor will receive a fax copy of your results within minutes after completion of your exam.
At Gershon Pain Specialists, we take pride in performing this test as quickly and as painlessly as possible.
