Neurology & EMG/NCS Testing
Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) are tests that measure how well your nerves and muscles are working. NCS records how fast and how strongly electrical signals travel along a nerve; EMG records the electrical activity inside a muscle. Together they show whether numbness, tingling, weakness, or radiating pain is coming from a pinched nerve, a damaged nerve, or the muscle itself.
Conditions evaluated
What to expect during EMG/NCS testing
Testing is done in the office and usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. For the nerve conduction portion, small sensors are placed on your skin and a brief electrical pulse is applied over the nerve. It feels like a quick tap or snap. For the EMG portion, a very thin needle electrode is placed into a few muscles while you relax and then gently tighten them. Most people find it mildly uncomfortable rather than painful, and you can drive and return to normal activities afterward.
On the day of the test, bathe as usual but skip lotions and creams on your arms and legs, and wear loose clothing. Tell us if you take a blood thinner or have a pacemaker or other implanted device. Results are reviewed with the physician who ordered the test, so treatment can start without another referral.
Brain injury and general neurology
Not every neurology visit involves testing. Dr. Patel evaluates and manages traumatic brain injury and post-concussion symptoms such as headache, dizziness, memory problems, and mood changes, along with dementia, migraine, Parkinson's disease, and other movement disorders. For patients injured in an accident, careful documentation of symptoms over time supports both recovery and the medical record.
Your neurologists
Where this service is offered
Valencia, CA 91355Office details → Tarzana5225 Lindley Ave, Fl 2
Tarzana, CA 91356Office details → Marina del Rey4553 Glencoe Ave, Ste 140
Marina del Rey, CA 90292Office details → Santa Barbara2323 De La Vina St, Ste 205
Santa Barbara, CA 93105Office details → Sacramento500 Capitol Mall #2350
Sacramento, CA 95814Office details →
General neurology, concussion, and traumatic brain injury care are available at all five offices. EMG/NCS testing is offered in Valencia, Tarzana, and Santa Barbara.
Insurance
We accept PPO plans and Medicare at our Southern California offices. Patients injured in an accident can be treated on a lien basis at any office, and workers' compensation cases are reviewed case by case. Our Sacramento office treats patients on a lien basis only.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) treatments are cash-pay. Call or text 424-301-7090 and our team will check your coverage before your visit, so you know what to expect.