EEG, EMG, and NCS

EEG, EMG, and NCS services offered in Katy, TX

Diagnosing conditions affecting the complex brain and nervous system can be challenging. Sadia Yasser, MD, and her team at Advanced Neurology of Katy in Katy, Texas, use advanced technologies to assist in diagnosis, including electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), and nerve conduction studies (NCS). Call our office today to learn more about EEG, EMG, and NCS, or complete the online booking form to schedule a consultation.

What are EEG, EMG, and NCS?

EEG, EMG, and NCS are diagnostic tests. They help the Advanced Neurology of Katy team determine the cause of brain and nerve function symptoms.

The team might recommend an EMG, NCS, or EEG after completing a physical exam, reviewing your medical history, and discussing your symptoms.

How do EEG, EMG, and NCS work?

EEG

An EEG detects and records the electrical activity in your brain. Your provider attaches electrodes (small, flat metal discs) to your scalp that transmit the brain’s electrical activity to an EEG machine.

EMG/NCS

Nerve conduction study (NCS) is performed using small electrical shocks to measure nerve responses. During a needle EMG, your provider inserts a needle electrode (fine metal needle) directly into a specific muscle. The EMG device records electrical activity in the muscle, identifying problems such as:

Nerve dysfunction
Muscle dysfunction
Nerve-to-muscle signaling problems

TAdvanced Neurology of Katy also uses evoked potentials studies. These tests measure the brain’s electrical activity in response to sight, sound, or touch stimuli.

What problems can EEG, EMG, and NCS detect?

Advanced Neurology of Katy uses EEG, EMG, and NCS for numerous purposes. For example, they use EEG as a frontline test to assess brain function. They also use it to diagnose epilepsy and help evaluate brain disorders like dementia.

EMGs assess muscle health and the strength of the nerve cells (motor neurons) controlling them. EMG/NCS is often vital in evaluating conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and weakness or tremor.

Will I be awake during EEG, EMG, and NCS?

You’ll typically be awake during EEG, EMG, and NCS procedures. You won’t need an anesthetic or sedative because these tests are fast and involve no invasive techniques. You might find the needles sting a little during an EMG. However, you won’t feel any discomfort afterward.

It’s also important that you remain awake during your EMG and NCS tests so you can follow instructions on moving the injured area. The team will likely ask you to report on what you feel and any odd sensations.

Call Advanced Neurology of Katy to learn more about EEG, EMG, and NCS, or book an appointment online today.