Procedure detects nerve disease
SPECIAL TO THE DAILY RECORD

SUMMIT -- The Summit Medical Group has begun performing a new procedure to detect peripheral neuropathy and other diseases of the peripheral nervous system, including carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve root impingement and Lou Gehrig's disease.

Neurologist Dr. Selena Ellis performs the procedure called electromyography, which is relatively painless and will diagnose a variety of medical problems, said group spokeswoman Sylvia Guarino. The group has been doing the procedure for about two months.

"To perform an electromyogram, a very fine electrode, attached by wires to a recording machine, is inserted into the specific muscle to be tested. Once the electrodes are in place, the electrical activity in that muscle is recorded," Ellis said.

"In nerve conduction studies, which are usually performed at the same time, small pulses of electricity are sent along the nerves to measure how quickly and forcefully they are conducting electricity. When both tests are combined, it gives you a great deal of information about how the peripheral nervous system is performing."

Common disorder

Peripheral neuropathy is a common nervous system disorder that can have a variety of symptoms, Guarino said. It often is painful and can lead to numbness, weakness and very commonly, difficulty in walking, Ellis added.

"Some types of peripheral neuropathy will respond dramatically to treatment with vitamins, while others require immunotherapy such as intravenous immune globulin," Ellis said. "In addition, while many neuropathies cannot be reversed with medications, there are some efficacious drugs which are now available for treating the pain and discomfort of this disease."

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