EMG/NVC TESTING

Certain medical conditions interfere with the electric current necessary for muscle and nerve function. Electromyography (EMG) is a testing method used to assess the electrical activity of muscles, often performed alongside a nerve conduction study. This test plays a crucial role in diagnosing electrical imbalances or abnormalities that could be contributing to a patient's illness or discomfort. EMGs can identify abnormal muscle electrical activity in numerous diseases and conditions, including muscle inflammation, pinched nerves, nerve damage, disc herniation, and degenerative diseases like Muscular Dystrophy, Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and Myesthenia Gravis, among others.

Cadwell Corporation, one of the premier manufacturers of diagnostic equipment, offers the Sierra® Summit™, the latest addition to the innovative Sierra product line. This EMG machine merges the user-friendly Sierra Wave™ software with cutting-edge data acquisition/stimulation hardware. Key features include a dual speaker system, color-coded durable connectors, redesigned keypad, trigger inputs and outputs, two independent electrical stimulators, hardware diagnostics, electrode continuity check, and the new CadLink™ database. The Summit supports a range of electrodiagnostic tests and accommodates new protocol development and research applications, boasting advanced features such as Auditory EP, Visual EP, P300, and Single Fiber EMG.

Dr. Caruso emphasizes the importance of understanding a patient’s comprehensive metabolic and bio-mechanical functionality. Recognizing the spinal and nervous system as a crucial component of overall function, he values the information that EMG and tools like the Sierra Summit provide. These insights enable the development of an appropriate, tailored treatment plan for each patient.