An Electromyographer’s Approach to the Neurologic Exam
Many clinicians in various settings perform a physical examination of the patient. The neurologic screen is an important component of the physical exam and typically follows the subjective interview of the patient. While much can be said about conducting an effective patient interview, that will not be discussed in detail here. The end result of […]
Suprascapular Neuropathy
There are many causes of shoulder pain because of the plethora of structures that are involved with passive and active stability and mobility of the glenohumeral joint, clavicle, scapula, and cervical spine. Of the many causes of pain, weakness, or dysfunction in the shoulder, one to consider is a suprascapular nerve compromise or neuropathy. In […]
The Utility of Electrodiagnostic Testing in Patients with Suspected Lumbar Radiculopathy
The intended audience of this article is healthcare providers who refer patients for EMG & NCV testing to assist with the diagnosis of lumbar radiculopathy. This information may also be useful for patients with symptoms of radiating low back pain looking for information on their problem. Patient number one is a 33-year-old female who has […]
Diabetes and Diabetic Neuropathy
What is diabetes? In 2018, an estimated 34.2 million Americans had diabetes, which was 10.5% of the population of the United States. Out of the 34.2 million estimated to have diabetes, 26.9 million had been diagnosed with the remaining estimated 7.3 million being undiagnosed. It was also reported that 88 million Americans aged 18 and […]
The Effect of Monochromatic Infrared Energy on Sensation in Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Based on 5.07 monofilament testing there was no statistical difference in lower extremity sensitivity when using monochromatic infrared energy as compared to a placebo. This study is an underpowered, negative trial due to its small sample size and inclusion of the null value. Clinical judgments prove difficult to determine due to sample size. Level of […]
Taking the Mystery Out of an EMG/NCS Report – Part 2
In Part One of this article, I discussed the basics of nerve conduction studies and waveform analysis. In Part Two, I will cover principles of needle electromyography (EMG), specific diseases and injuries that relate to hand therapy, and how EMG/NCS findings relate to outcomes for certain injuries and surgeries of the upper extremities. The needle EMG examination is […]
The “Ulnar Hand:” Three Case Studies
The human nervous system is an intricate thing, with nerve signals twisting and turning through structures called columns, roots, trunks, and cords on their way from the brain to the extremities and back again. As complex as this labyrinth is, in most people its twists and turns are nearly identical. This allows an electromyographer to […]
Results of a Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
The most common cause for numbness, tingling, and pain of the hand is due to a compressed median nerve at or through the carpal tunnel.1 There are many clinical tests that can be performed to aid in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, including the square sign test, carpal tunnel compression test, Phalen’s test, or […]
Shoulder Injuries in the United States Army
If I told you a healthy 28-year-old soldier had shoulder pain and could not raise his arm, what causes would come to mind? A rotator cuff tear? A frozen shoulder? Impingement? What would you think if I said he has noticed a protruding shoulder blade during pullups? A long thoracic nerve injury? A brachial plexus […]
Case Study: Lumbar Radiculopathy
Recently a patient was referred to us with possible Lumbar radiculopathy. Emory Healthcare defines lumbar radiculopathy as a disease involving the lumbar spinal nerve root. This can manifest as pain, numbness, or weakness of the buttock and leg. Dr. Martinos performed an electromyograph (EMG) on the patient to learn more about the cause of this issue […]
