Ogden Clinic -
Physiatry

Brad Melville, M.D.
Harrison Blvd Clinic
(801) 476-2255

Physiatry

At the Ogden Clinic, the physiatry services are constrained to electrodiagnostic testing, done usually on Tuesday afternoons. Testing is done by a referral.

What is Electrodiagnosis?

Electrodiagnostic studies can be helpful in evaluating weakness, numbness, pain and symptoms such as fatigue, cramps, and abnormal sensation. The two main procedures used to study nerves and muscles are the needle electromyographic (EMG) examination and nerve conduction studies (NCS).

The time required to complete the study varies, but generally takes approximately 30- 60 minutes. There are no restrictions relative to activities before or after the test and no permanent effects.

The EMG test
During an EMG, the physician analyzes the electric activity in muscles by inserting a fine needle electrode into selected muscles. Needle insertion may cause mild temporary discomfort. The needle is not used for injection and no shocks are given. The physician can determine whether the muscle is working normally by seeing the electric activity on a screen and listening over a loudspeaker. The needles are discarded after use or sterilized.
Nerve Conductive Studies
To perform nerve conductive studies, the physician tapes small metal electrodes on the skin and applies a brief electric stimulus to one portion of a nerve. Nerve stimulation will cause a tingling sensation. The physician can then evaluate the electric response of the nerve or muscle to which the nerve is attached and determine if the nerve impulse is 1) conducted normally, 2) at a slow speed, or not transmitted at all, suggesting damage to the nerve.
Special Precautions
The patient does not need to do anything special to prepare for this test, except to keep the skin free of any lotions or emollients on the day of the examination. Be sure to inform the physician, however, if you are taking blood-thinning medication such as Coumadin, have hemophilia or a cardiac pacemaker. Patients with myasthenia gravis should ask their physician whether or not to take anticholinesterase medications on the day of the test.