Radiculopathy & Nerve Injury

NCV/EMG provides objective neurophysiological evidence of nerve root injury that cannot be faked or dismissed as subjective. While patient-reported radicular symptoms (radiating pain, numbness, weakness) can be challenged by defense examiners, abnormal electrodiagnostic findings — fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves on EMG indicating denervation, or H-reflex abnormalities indicating S1 root compromise — are objective measurements that provide independent corroboration of nerve root injury. This is why NCV/EMG is considered essential documentation for radiculopathy claims in personal injury litigation.

NCV testing can show abnormalities immediately after nerve injury, as it measures conduction velocity which changes rapidly with nerve compromise. EMG denervation changes (fibrillation potentials) typically appear 2–3 weeks after acute nerve root injury as the denervated muscles begin to fire spontaneously. For this reason, MAIC typically schedules NCV/EMG studies 3–4 weeks after the injury for optimal sensitivity, or immediately if clinical findings strongly suggest radiculopathy.

Radiculopathy refers specifically to dysfunction at the level of the nerve root — where the spinal nerve exits the vertebral column. It is typically caused by disc herniation or foraminal stenosis at that level. Neuropathy refers to peripheral nerve dysfunction that occurs distal to the nerve root — it can be caused by compression (carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome), metabolic disease (diabetic neuropathy), or trauma to the peripheral nerve itself. NCV/EMG studies can distinguish between the two by localizing the site of nerve dysfunction.

Yes. MAIC accepts No-Fault insurance and No-Fault for NCV/EMG electrodiagnostic studies. These studies are covered under NYS No-Fault when clinically indicated, and MAIC's PI coordination team manages all prior authorization and billing. Same-day scheduling is available for attorney-referred patients.

Yes. When nerve root compression is severe or prolonged — particularly in cases of large disc herniations or when surgical intervention is delayed — permanent neurological deficits can result including chronic radicular pain, persistent sensory changes, and motor weakness. MAIC's electrodiagnostic reports document the severity and chronicity of radiculopathy findings, which directly informs the prognosis and permanency assessment that supports the damages portion of the personal injury claim.