Neuromuscular Medicine at OhioHealth

EMG (electromyography) tests nerve and muscle function. It evaluates symptoms such as numbness, tingling, nerve pain and weakness, and is used to diagnose several conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, pinched nerves, radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy and muscle disorders. The test has two components: Nerve conduction and needle electrode examination.

Nerve conduction studies involve a series of brief electrical impulses administered to nerves in the limbs. Needle electrode examination involves the insertion of a needle electrode into specific limb muscles.

We provide infusion therapies for neuromuscular disorders including intravenous immune globulin (IVIG), soliris, rituximab, solumedrol, efgartigmod and others partnering with the Red Cross for plasmapheresis.

Muscle biopsy is useful to identify specific disorders of the muscle.

Peripheral nerve ultrasound, or neuromuscular ultrasound, has emerged as a promising technique for the diagnosis of peripheral nerve disorders. This imaging technique reliably identifies nerve entrapment, injury or other structural abnormalities causing nerve irritation (such as ganglion cysts or nerve tumors). Assessed conditions include carpal tunnel syndrome (median neuropathy), uInar neuropathy, peroneal neuropathy, brachial plexopathy and traumatic nerve injury.

The quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART) measures the nerves that control sweating. The test diagnoses autonomic nervous system disorders and certain types of peripheral neuropathy.

Skin biopsy is useful in diagnosing small fiber sensory neuropathy. It is minimally invasive procedure performed by our neurologists with final results available in 1-2 weeks.