Nerve Conduction Study (NCS and NCV)
Overview
A nerve conduction study (NCS), also called a nerve conduction velocity (NCV), is a noninvasive exam that measures how quickly nerves conduct electrical signals through the body. It helps your doctor diagnose nerve damage and devise an appropriate treatment plan.
Exam
You are pos…
Myelography and Myelogram
Overview
A Myelography (also called a Myelogram) is an outpatient diagnostic procedure to examine the spine. It allows doctors to identify problems involving the spine, the spinal cord, and the nerve roots that are often not clearly revealed with x-rays, MRIs, or CT scans.
Preparation
To …
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Overview
A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan lets doctors see inside your body. Unlike x-rays that use radiation to show bony structures, MRIs use magnets and radio waves to show soft tissues.
Preparation
You will need to remove glasses, jewelry, hearing aids, dentures, and other item…
Electromyography (EMG)
Overview
This is a two-part test of your nerves and muscles. The first part is a nerve conduction study, sometimes called an NCS or NCV (nerve conduction velocity). The NCS measures how well electricity moves through your nerves. The second part is a needle electromyogram (needle EMG), which reco…
Discography and Discogram
Overview
This procedure, which your doctor may call discography or discogram, helps to identify painful spinal discs. Here’s how it works.
Preparation
You will be relaxed but awake during he procedure. You will not be put to sleep, so that you can give your doctor feedback during the discography…
CT Scan (Computed Tomography, CAT Scan)
Overview
This diagnostic scan takes x-ray images from many angles, combining them to show doctors clear cross-section slices of your body parts. A CT scan shows much more than a typical x-ray and depicts structures that MRIs are inadequate to image.
Preparation
You will need to remove your glas…