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| Print a PDF VersionYou Have Been Scheduled for a Neurological Test.

After careful examination and consideration, your doctor has decided that you need a neurological test to help in diagnosing your specific ailment. Through correct diagnosis of your specific problem, your doctor may be able to provide a more appropriate treatment plan for your condition.

What is a Neurological Test?

Neurological tests, or nerve conduction studies, are important in diagnosing problems related to nerves, muscles, the spinal cord or the brain.

These tests measure the speed and intensity of electrical signals through nerves and calculate the time and velocity in which muscles respond to these impulses.

Because nerves actually produce small amounts of electricity, their activity can be affected by disease, injury, or other conditions.

Diagnosis is extremely important in helping your doctor develop your treatment plan. Our neurological tests help in diagnosing:

  • Pinched Nerves
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Neuropathy
  • Radiculopathy
  • Spinal Cord Dysfunction
  • Nerve disorders such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
  • Neuromuscular disorders such as Myasthenia Gravis

Preperation for Your Test

A test takes from 1-2 hours, depending on what tests are performed. It is important that you are on time and do not feel rushed.

For Best Results:
Make sure you bathe or shower before your test. Body oils may interfere with the test results. Please do not use lotions, bath oils, or creams before your test.

Clothing:
Please wear loose clothing such as sweat pants or shorts. Do not wear jeans.

Meals:
You may eat your normal meals at their usual times. Try to avoid tobacco and caffeinated products within two hours of your test.

Let Your Doctor Know:
Be sure to let your doctor know prior to your test if you are on any special medications such as blood thinners, insulin, or psychiatric prescriptions. If you are a hemophiliac, diabetic, pregnant, have a pace maker, skin infection, or bruise easily, it is important to let your doctor know of these medical conditions prior to testing.

Your Comfort is Important:
It is important that you try to relax during your neurological testing. Our technicians are specially trained to provide you with a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. Let them know how you are feeling. They can help relieve any anxiety or fear you may have. Your comfort is important to us and is important to the results of your test.

The Actual Test

Our equipment utilizes the latest in technology allowing for detection of electrical activity in your body

  • Electrodes record the electrical activity of the nerves & muscles.
  • The computer is used for displaying, analyzing, storing, and printing your data.
  • Monitors reflect your electrical activity in wave patterns.

The Testing Procedure:

Depending on what area of your body is being tested, you may be asked to lie down or sit upright. Recording electrodes will be attached to your skin.

Stimulating electrodes will be held against your skin. An electrical impulse will be sent through your nerves and recorded. You may feel a slight impulse or twitch in your muscles, fingers, or toes. The impulse is part of the test and is harmless.

During EMG, a small recording needle is placed into the muscle to measure its activity. You will be asked to contract the muscle while the test is being performed. There is no electrical stimulation for this part of the test.

Following Your Test

After your test, your skin will be cleaned of any gel.

There are no side effects from our tests, so you may drive and return to normal activities, unless instructed differently by your doctor.

The Testing Results

Our team of doctors will read your test results. The doctors will interpret your results and prepare a full report. The report will be sent to your doctor’s office in one week.

Billing

Your medical insurance will be billed for the components of your test. All of your benefits will be checked prior to you having the test performed. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call General Diagnostic Associates at (716)686-0868.

 

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