Why do I need an EEG?
The nerves in your brain generate and transmit electrical impulses. This electrical activity forms patterns known as brain waves. An EEG picks up your brain waves and records them in a wave-like pattern that’s displayed on a monitor.
Brain waves make specific patterns that can be compared with typical brain waves to determine abnormal or unusual activity in your brain. In this way, EEGs provide the information needed to diagnose many conditions, including:
- Epilepsy
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Brain tumors
- Sleep disorders
- Stroke
- Brain dysfunction
During an EEG, electrodes are attached to your scalp with an adhesive, or you wear a cap that holds the electrodes. Wires from the electrodes are then connected to an instrument that detects and records your brain waves.
In a routine EEG, you simply relax in the office while your brain waves are recorded. The team at eRiver Neurology of NY, LLC also performs video EEGs and ambulatory EEGs.
A video EEG captures your body movements while your brain waves are recorded. An ambulatory EEG continues when you leave the office, collecting your brain activity over several days. An ambulatory EEG increases the chances of detecting and recording seizure activity.
What is an EMG?
An EMG is a specialized test to diagnose problems in your muscles and the nerves that trigger muscle activity. In addition to identifying nerve and muscle dysfunction, your doctor at eRiver Neurology of NY, LLC can detect problems with communication between nerves and muscles.
Your doctor may perform an EMG to diagnose many different conditions, including:
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Pinched nerves (radiculopathy)
- Muscle inflammation
- Muscular dystrophy
- Myasthenia gravis
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
EMG is used as a diagnostic procedure for many different types of neuromuscular diseases.
What symptoms indicate I may need an EMG?
Your doctor at eRiver Neurology of NY, LLC may perform an EMG to determine the cause of symptoms such as:
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle pain
- Muscle twitching
- Paralysis
You may also need an EMG if you have back or neck pain because it can help diagnose nerve problems in your spine.
What happens during an EMG?
During your EMG, you have a needle EMG and a nerve conduction study:
Needle EMG
A needle EMG is performed by inserting thin needles into the targeted muscle. The needles contain tiny electrodes that detect changes in nerve transmissions as you tighten and relax the muscle. The results show any abnormal electrical activity.
Nerve conduction study
For this test, surface electrodes are placed on your skin along the nerve being tested. Then your provider sends a mild electrical impulse through the electrode at one end of the nerve.
The other electrodes pick up the nerve signal as it travels along the nerve. By measuring the speed of the transmission, your doctor can determine if the nerve is working properly.
If you need diagnostic testing or you have questions about your symptoms, call eRiver Neurology of NY, LLC or book an appointment online.
All medical information is part of the public domain, and eRiver Neurology of NY, LLC is not responsible for the accuracy of content.
