Electrophysiological Examination (EMG)
Services offered to confirm Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Do you suffer from tingling and numbness in your hands and fingers? Such as in your thumb, index and middle fingers? Do you have pain in your wrist and in the palm of your hand that radiates down to the fingers and sometimes up to the forearm, arm and shoulder? Do you have difficulty grabbing objects? If so, you may be suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).
Performed by Dr. Sebastien Fournier, Neurophysiologist, the electrophysiological examination (a.k.a. EMG) allows for the precise confirmation of this diagnosis.
Actually, this exam is necessary to guarantee the best possible treatment plan.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CST) is common.
It affects between 5% and 10% of the Quebec population aged between 30 and 60, and it affects women more than men.
Often of professional origin, people doing manual work are more at risk.
CTS symptoms develop following repetitive irritation and compression of the median nerve at the wrist. But rest assured, this condition is reversible – often by a simple and brief surgical intervention. But first, the diagnosis needs to be confirmed by an electrophysiological examination called electromyogram.
EMG EXAMINATION TO CONFIRM THE DIAGNOSIS FOR CTS
The EMG examination is needed to precisely confirm the syndrome, which further allows to establish the best possible therapeutic and medical plan. The EMG evaluates the function and performance of the nerve, contrary to a imaging test which rather helps to visualise the nerve.
WHY SHOULD YOU SEEK AN EMG FOR CARPAL TUNNELS?
An EMG can be prescribed to patients suffering from CTS symptoms by a general practitioner or a surgeon. However, you can request this exam at our clinic without a prescription, based on your medical history and your current clinical symptoms, such as :
• Numbness in hand and fingers
• Pain during nighttime and/or during the accomplishment of certain tasks
• Weakness or loss of prehension, such that the strength in the index and middle fingers diminishes
Our medical team will assist in guiding you to the service best adapted for your needs.
ONCE A CTS DIAGNOSIS IS ESTABLISHED, WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS?
A treatment option is recommended based on the severity of the pathology.
Less severe cases could be recommended to wear a wrist splint, to undergo ultrasound treatments or to follow a program of specific exercises.
More advanced cases could be recommended cortisol injections or a minor surgery to release the compression over the nerve.
In all cases, the best possible treatment option will be meticulously discussed with Dr. Fournier following the results of your EMG exam.
Specialised electrophysiological examinations TO CONFIRM OTHER NEUROMUSCULAR PATHOLOGIES
If you suffer from neck, back or leg pain, or if you have numbness and tingling in your hands, fingers, and feet, please contact us to determine if an EMG examination is good for you.
Each month, Dr. Fournier holds a specialty clinic.
Our goal is to rapidly dispatch you to your best possible treatment options.
Give us a call now.
The CitéFlex private clinic is one of the first clinics specialized in consulting for neurosurgical problems in the Province of Quebec. The clinic offers you a quick access to the team of Dr. Nader, neurosurgeon, and a network of health professionals in order to diagnose and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your back and neck pain
Laval
1435 boul Saint-Martin O,
Suite 607
Laval, QC H7S 2C6
Tel: 450-669-1344
Fax: 450-669-1901
Info@LavalMD.com
Quebec city
Centre Médical Berger 1000 CH.
SAINTE-FOY , Ville de Québec, QC,
G1S 2L6