NCV / EMG Electrodiagnostics

NCV/EMG can diagnose a wide range of nerve conditions relevant to personal injury claims: cervical and lumbar radiculopathy from disc herniation or foraminal stenosis, carpal tunnel syndrome and other entrapment neuropathies (cubital tunnel, tarsal tunnel, peroneal nerve compression), brachial and lumbosacral plexus injuries, peripheral nerve injuries from direct trauma, and polyneuropathies. The ability to localize the nerve lesion anatomically — distinguishing root compression from peripheral nerve entrapment — is one of the most valuable features of electrodiagnostic testing for PI documentation.

NCV testing involves small electrical stimulations applied to the skin surface — most patients describe the sensation as a brief, mild tingling or twitching. EMG involves insertion of a thin needle electrode into specific muscles — the sensation is similar to a small intramuscular injection and is generally well-tolerated. The entire study typically takes 30–60 minutes depending on the number of limbs and regions tested. Our neurophysiologists are experienced in performing NCV/EMG in a way that maximizes patient comfort while maintaining the highest technical standards.

For radiculopathy evaluation, NCV/EMG is most informative 3–4 weeks after the injury, when denervation changes (fibrillation potentials) become detectable on EMG if nerve root injury has occurred. NCV testing can be performed immediately after injury — sensory NCV abnormalities and H-reflex changes may be present acutely. For entrapment neuropathies like carpal tunnel syndrome, NCV testing can be performed at any time after injury. MAIC schedules NCV/EMG studies at the clinically optimal time for each patient.

A normal NCV/EMG does not rule out radiculopathy or nerve injury. In mild radiculopathy, the degree of nerve compression may not be sufficient to produce measurable electrodiagnostic abnormalities — this is called a clinically positive, electrodiagnostically negative result. The clinical diagnosis remains valid based on the examination findings and MRI correlation. MAIC's neurophysiology reports address this specifically, noting that a normal study is consistent with mild root compression or early injury without detectable denervation, and correlating the electrodiagnostic findings with the full clinical picture.

Yes. NCV/EMG studies performed at MAIC are covered under New York State No-Fault insurance when medically indicated following a motor vehicle accident. We manage all prior authorization and billing for No-Fault and No-Fault NCV/EMG studies. Same-day scheduling is available for attorney-referred patients. Medical liens are also accepted for patients without active coverage.