EEG & EMG

Patients who are experiencing nerve dysfunction or symptoms of neurological conditions like epilepsy benefit from diagnostic technologies like electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG). If you need to undergo one or both of these tests, board-certified neurologist Miguel Pappolla, MD, provides state-of-the-art, convenient facilities at St Michael's Neurology and Pain Medicine in Houston, Texas. Dr. Pappolla and his team have many years of experience using EEG and EMG and analyzing the results. You can benefit from their expertise by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.

EEG & EMG Q & A

• What are EEG and EMG?

EEG and EMG are diagnostic tests that Dr. Pappolla uses to help determine the cause of your symptoms.

An electroencephalogram (EEG) records the electrical activity that's happening continually in your brain via small metal discs called electrodes that stick to your scalp. The electrodes relay the information to a recorder that displays your brain activity as a series of wavy lines.

An electromyogram (EMG) measures electrical activity in your muscles, which helps to locate dysfunctional nerves. Rather than electrodes that stick to your head like the EEG, EMG involves having tiny needles inserted into specific places in the muscles.

Dr. Pappolla often performs an EMG at the same time as nerve conduction velocity (NCV) tests. NCV testing uses controlled electrical currents to stimulate certain nerves and see how well they respond.

• Why might I need to undergo EEG or EMG?

You might need to undergo an EEG if you have symptoms of a neurological disorder. Seizures are the most common subject of an EEG test, but sometimes an EEG can be useful for assessing problems like memory loss.

You might need to undergo an EMG if you have symptoms that indicate your nerves aren’t functioning as they should, such as:

• Pain
• Loss of function
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Burning
• Itching
• Weakness
• “Pins and needles”

Dr. Pappolla has considerable experience in analyzing EEG and EMG results to find the root cause of your problem. He also uses EEG and EMG to monitor your progress once you start treatment.

• What do the results of my EEG show?

An EEG can identify and assess various conditions, including:

• Brain damage from a head injury
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
• Stroke
• Sleep disorders
• Encephalopathy (brain disease or dysfunction)
• EEG is especially valuable as a diagnostic tool for epilepsy and other seizure disorders.
• What do the results of my EMG show?
• EMG and NCV studies can help Dr. Pappolla diagnose conditions such as:
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Pinched nerves
• Nerve complications
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Myasthenia gravis

If you need to have EEG or EMG tests, Dr. Pappolla has the skills and experience to administer the procedures and interpret your results accurately, ensuring you receive optimal treatment.

Find out more about EEG and EMG by calling St Michael's Neurology and Pain Medicine today, or book an appointment online.