Electromyography and Neuromuscular

Building on your brief, required electromyography and neuromuscular rotation, you will observe nerve conduction studies (NCS) and needle electrode examinations (NEE), as you learn to discern abnormalities that indicate common neuromuscular disorders, including:

• carpal tunnel syndrome
• cervical and lumbar radiculopathy
• peripheral neuropathy
• myasthenia gravis
• motor neuron disease

You also will participate in analyzing and interpreting data leading to electrodiagnostic impressions, learning to distinguish the following:

• radiculopathy
• plexopathy
• neuropathy
• neuromuscular junction disorders
• myopathies

You will build basic skills to operate EMG equipment and conduct simple nerve conduction velocity and EMG studies.

As you develop competence, you will learn the parameters to define the following:

• fibrillation positive sharp waves
• fasciculation
• high frequency repetitive discharges
• myotonic discharges

As you build technical skill, you will learn to accurately record the following:

• H reflexes from soleus muscles
• F responses from median, ulnar, tibial innervated muscles
• motor nerve conduction studies in median, ulnar, peroneal and tibial nerves
• sensory nerve conduction studies of median, ulnar, sural and superficial radial nerves

You also will develop your ability to deftly incorporate electrodiagnostics into a comprehensive process that also involves:

• planning tests in response to clinical complaints and physical examination
• gathering patient histories
• screening for potential contraindications to performing either the NCS or NEE

Our robust didactic program includes an EMG lecture series and other relevant lectures in clinical neurophysiology.

You will learn to apply the knowledge you gain to nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography.

Through virtual and hands-on learning, you will develop an in-depth knowledge of the anatomy of the peripheral nervous system, including root origins, structure and innervated muscles. You will learn via the Animated Dissection of Anatomy for Medicine software, videos and experiences in our Gross Anatomy Laboratory.

By actively participating in our daily Electromyography Case Conference, you will review classic EMG studies and gain additional exposure to studies of the autonomic nervous system, learning from a neuromuscular staff member or fellow.

You also will participate in our weekly Neuromuscular Conference, joining clinical neurophysiology fellows for faculty-led sessions on neuromuscular disease or electromyography, a muscle biopsy conference and a neuromuscular journal club.

You will observe at least 10 neurophysiological studies, including at least two of the following types of nerve conduction or needle examination studies:

• lower extremity
• upper extremity
• polyneuropathy
• motor neuron disease
• neuromuscular junction

You also will perform nerve conduction, F response and H reflex studies independently in three arms and three legs of normal subjects.

You will gain broad exposure to child and adult patients — from newborns to 90-year-olds — with diverse acute and chronic neurological disorders, including:

• muscle disorders, myopathies and muscular dystrophy
• disorders of neuromuscular junction
• polyneuropathy (axonal, demyelinating and sensory/motor/autonomic)
• mononeuritis multiplex
• entrapment neuropathy
• plexopathy
• radiculopathy
• anterior horn cell disorders, motor neuron disease and spinal muscular atrophy

You will encounter patients from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds.

• neuromuscular specialists
• neuromuscular fellows
• EMG technicians

1 module