Joint Neuromuscular Clinic Nerve Conduction Studies and Electromyography

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1 Royal Manchester Children s Hospital Department of Paediatric Clinical Neurophysiology Joint Neuromuscular Clinic Nerve Conduction Studies and Electromyography Information For Parents, Carers and Patients 1

What is the joint neuromuscular clinic? The joint neuromuscular clinic is a clinic for patients with a suspected diagnosis of a neuromuscular disorder i.e. a problem affecting the nerves and muscles.

2 What is the joint neuromuscular clinic? The joint neuromuscular clinic is a clinic for patients with a suspected diagnosis of a neuromuscular disorder i.e. a problem affecting the nerves and muscles. There are two specialist consultants in attendance, a Consultant Neurologist and a Consultant Neurophysiologist. Your child will see the Consultant Neurologist first followed by the Consultant Neurophysiologist who will perform the nerve conduction studies (NCS) and they may also perform Electromyography (EMG). The Neurologist will then discuss the results with you. Why do I need nerve conduction studies (NCS)? NCS are performed for many different reasons. They are used in the investigation and diagnosis of patients with suspected neuromuscular disorders that are problems affecting the nerves and muscles. What are nerve conduction studies? Nerve conduction is a way of testing how the nerves function in the arms and legs. Small wires and stickers called electrodes are applied to your child s hands, arms or legs depending on which area is being tested. 2

3 Small electrical pulses are passed through the electrodes to stimulate the nerves so that they can be examined. Your child will be able to feel the pulses, but they are very low in strength and most people do not find them uncomfortable. They feel more like small sharp static shocks. The pulses are used to test different nerves in the body and sometimes make the muscles twitch. What is Electromyography (EMG)? (This test is not always necessary) EMG is the abbreviation for Electromyography. Electromyography is used to check the muscles. If your child does need this part of the test, then a fine needle (like an acupuncture needle) is inserted into the muscles. This acts like a microphone and we listen to how the muscles work. The procedure may cause some discomfort but is usually reasonably well tolerated. 3

4 Before the test No special preparation is needed and your child should take any medication as prescribed unless specifically told not to do so by their doctor. Please dress your child in loose clothing as we may need to test above the elbow and knee. This makes it easier so that your child does not have to get undressed. Please do not use moisturiser or hand cream on your child before the test as they can interfere with the recording. Defibrillators and Pacemakers If your child has either a defibrillator or a pacemaker fitted you must phone the Neurophysiology Department as soon as possible on (0161) (Monday Friday 8.30 am until 4.00 pm) as we will need to organise special monitoring with the cardiology department. After the tests The tests do not have any side effects or after effects and your child can go home and carry on as normal. Your child may be left with a small amount of bleeding or bruising, though this is rare and is usually only slight. Frequently asked questions Will we get the results straight away? Yes. The Consultant Neurologist will discuss your child s results with you before you leave the department/clinic. 4

5 Will it hurt my child? Your child will feel the pulses used to stimulate the nerves during the test and there may be some slight discomfort. EMG examination involves the insertion of a fine needle into a muscle and may also cause some discomfort. What if I am worried about my child having the test? If there are any parts of the test that you feel uncomfortable with then please mention it to the doctors who will discuss any concerns with you. Further information about the Department of Paediatric Clinical Neurophysiology The department is open Monday to Friday between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm. If you require any further information please contact us on (0161) Alternatively you could consult: Hospital website: NHS direct website: Travel Information The multi-storey car park closest to the Children s Hospital is on Hathersage Road. Further travel information is available on the website go to the hospital page and then Plan Your Visit 5

6 Contact Details Department of Paediatric Clinical Neurophysiology Royal Manchester Children s Hospital Oxford Road Manchester M13 9WL Tel: (0161) The department is situated on the 1st Floor, above the entrance of the Royal Manchester Children s Hospital in the Paediatric Neurophysiology Department. Suggestions, Concerns and Complaints If you would like to provide feedback you can: Ask to speak to the ward or department manager. Write to us: Patient Advice and Liaison Services, 1st Floor, Cobbett House, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL Log onto the NHS Choices website - click on Comments. If you would like to discuss a concern or make a complaint: Ask to speak to the ward or department manager they may be able to help straight away. Contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) Tel: pals@cmft.nhs.uk. Ask for our information leaflet. We welcome your feedback so we can continue to improve our services. 6

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8 TIG 188/14 Produced November 2014 Review 8 Date November 2016 (SF Taylor CM15982)

National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery

National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery Neurophysiological testing in patients with suspected or confirmed muscle channelopathies Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases Contents 1. Introduction 2.