NCV Training – EMG Training & Conference Course

Objectives for NCV Training - EMG Training Course

Upon the successful completion of the NCV / EMG Training Course, attendees should be able to perform the following:

• Develop the ability to use diagnostic NCV/EMG technologies to improve the practitioner's Knowledge and Technical Skills to provide enhanced care to patients indicated with potential nerve injuries and pain pathologies.
• Observe and be able to perform EMG and NCV tests and interpret the results as well as communicate these results from the EMG and NCV examinations to others.
• Develop better knowledge of the physiology of the nerve, peripheral nervous system anatomy, and compound motor action potential.
• Gain a full understanding and learn the basics of NCVS, NCV Testing, and interpretation of the results including:
  1. Sensory Nerve NCV Testing: normal values, interpretation, and basic testing techniques for sural, median, ulnar, and other sensory nerves.
  2. Motor Nerve NCV Testing: normal values, interpretation, and basic testing techniques for median, ulnar, peroneal, tibial, and other motor nerves.
  3. F wave, H wave, A wave, and late responses.
• Gain a full understanding and learn the basics of EMG, EMG Testing, and interpretation of results including:
  1. Fasciculation contractions affecting muscle fibers
  2. Motor Unit Potential Morphology (Normal vs Abnormal)
  3. Needle Placement Technique and Safety
  4. Fibrillation Potentials (spontaneous action potential)
  5. Sharp wave Potential (Positive) – peripheral nerve injury
• Gain knowledge of the various pain pathologies and diseases associated with NCV and EMG Testing for diagnostic purposes including radiculopathies, plexopathy disorders, myopathies, and various neuropathies.

DAY 1 - 8:30am–9:00am

Registration

9:00am–9:45am

Speaker Introduction, Overview of Medical Need, Possible Patient Indications for Testing, and the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating Nerve Conduction Studies and Electromyography Testing within your present medical or pain management practice. Review what will be presented over the (2) day hands-on course

9:45am-10:30am

General Principles and Definitions for Nerve Conduction Testing and Studies, Indications (Pathologies) for Treatment, Patient Selection, History and Physical Exam Considerations (i.e. MRI/CT/X-ray), Contraindications for Electrodiagnostic (NCVS and EMG) Testing, and Frequency of Testing. Technical aspects, technicians, analysis, quality assurance. Review of technologies, manufacturers (pricing), and supplies needed as well as report writing functionality.

10:30am–10:45am

Break

10:45am–12:00pm

Localization of neural pain pathologies, types of nerves studies, (3) types of testing response, Acute Conduction Block, Errors in Testing, and Motor and Sensory Potentials. Review definitions for F-Waves, H-Waves, Blink Reflex, and Supramaximal Stimulation (Repetitive Stimulation). Introduction to EMG Testing and the EMG Needle Exam, Definitions and Indications for EMG Needle Studies, and review of sample EMG Findings.

12:00pm–1:00pm

Lunch (on your own)

1:00pm–1:45pm

Review definitions of EMG, Spontaneous Activity, EMG Potentials, EMG Discharges, Normal EMG Activity, and Lower, Upper, and Myogenic Lesions. Review of Nerve Conduction Studies for Upper and Lower Extremity – Motor Studies including normal values, abnormalities, screen characteristics, learning “pearls”, test time allocation, benefits of testing, and types of nerve injuries (i.e. Wallarian Degeneration) for the procedures.

1:45pm—3:00pm

Basics for Nerve Conduction Studies, neuroanatomy, velocity, amplitude, latency, wave of depolarization, wave analysis, definitions and terms, and general anatomy. Basic Motor nerve studies, specific tests for upper and lower extremities, protocols for specific tests including patient markings, stimulator placement, and interpretation.

3:00pm–3:15pm

Break

3:15pm—5:15pm

Hands-on Training for Upper Extremity Nerve Conduction Studies: Median Nerve sensory/motor, Ulnar Nerve sensory/motor, Radial Nerve sensory studies, and F-Wave studies.

5:15pm–5:30pm

Questions and Answers with Faculty

DAY 2 - 8:30am–8:45am

Registration.

8:45am–9:30am

Documentation Requirements, Pretesting Considerations, Positioning of Patients, and review of Billing & Coding including CPT Codes and the latest ICD-10 codes.

9:30am-10:30am

Hands-on Training for Lower Extremity Nerve Conduction Studies: Superficial Peroneal Nerve sensory/motor studies, Sural Nerve sensory studies, Posterior Tibial Nerve motor studies, F Wave and H reflex studies.

10:30am–10:45am

Break.

10:45am–12:30pm

Continuation of Hands-On Training for Lower Extremity Nerve Conduction Studies: Superficial Peroneal Nerve sensory/motor studies, Sural Nerve sensory studies, Posterior Tibial Nerve motor studies, F Wave and H reflex studies.

12:30pm–1:30pm

Lunch (on your own)

1:30pm–2:30pm

Electromyography Basics, Definitions, Supplies, When is it Used, and Diagnostic Capabilities. Review General Anatomy of Nervous System, Dermatomes, and Muscular System. Needle evaluation of the muscle, observation, activity at insertion or rest, and interpretation of motor unit activity guidelines and results. Overview indications for use of EMG for Upper Extremities, Lower Extremities, frequencies, need for accuracy, and technology options available (i.e. Report Writing, Supplies, Combination Units, Pricing).

2:30pm—3:30pm

Hands-on Training for Lower Extremity and Upper Extremity EMG Testing. Muscle group testing for most common pathologies and technique, operation, and expectations from the procedure. Focus is placed on proper administration of the procedure, insertion of needle, reviewing results though the test patients most likely do not suffer from muscle abnormalities.

3:30pm–4:00pm

End of Program. Questions and answers with Faculty

DISCLAIMER: The following is a summary of the course agenda. The full course agenda will be emailed to you a few days prior to the course. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact our office.