Test results are gathered and delivered to Board Certified Neurologists and Radiologists for reading and interpretation. The test results are then returned to you with the interpretative reports within two to three days.
Neurological Diagnostic Tests:
NCV: Nerve Conduction Velocity
SSEP: Somatosensory Evoked Potential
DEP: Dermatosensory Evoked Potential
Ultrasound Diagnostic Imaging:
Upper Series: Bilateral Trapezius, Cervical (C1-C7), and Upper Thoracic (T1-T6)
Lower Series: Bilateral Sacroiliac Joints, Lumbar (L1-L5), Lower Thoracic (T7-T12)
Full Spine Series: Upper and Lower Series
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PROVIDED DAILY by PMD Diagnostics:
Insurance Verification - We verify patient insurance coverage prior to testing to ensure
proper reimbursements.
Customer Service - We assist with the time consuming and confusing insurance
claims processing.
Consultation - Our professional medical staff are readily available to answer
any questions you or your patients may have.
Definitions:
NCV Nerve Conduction Velocity
Tests the peripheral nervous system to the arms, legs, and face. This test checks both sensory and motor nerve fibers. Nerve conduction velocity studies diagnose different entrapment neuropathies, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as ulnar, radial, peroneal, femoral, posterior tibial, and peripheral neuropathies. The test checks axonal loss, demyelination of the peripheral nerves, and conduction blocks. It is useful in diagnosing anterior horn cell diseases, as seen in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and neuromuscular junction problems, such as myasthenia gravis. The test differentiates inherited neuropathies such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth and Dejerine-Sottas entrapment neuropathies (avoiding multiple unnecessary surgeries).
NCVs aid in the evaluation of:
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- Herniated Disks
- Peripheral neuropathies
- Numbness and tingling
- Pain in the extremities
- Atrophy
- Entrapment neuropathies
- Thoracic outlet syndrom
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- Radiculopathies
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Trauma to nerves
- Motor/sensory deficits
- Hot/cold sensation
- Neuritis
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EP Evoked Potentials
Evoked potentials measure nerve impulses as they travel along the central nervous system. The three primary evoked potential modalities are somatosensory, auditory, and visual. Each of these involves a different nerve pathway.
SSEP Somatosensory Evoked Potential
Mixed nerve somatosensory evoked potentials test both sensory and motor nerve fibers in the peripheral nervous system to the spinal cord. In an upper profile (cervical and extremities), the pure sensory nerves and myelin sheath which ascend to the sensory cortex in the central nervous system can be tested by means of interpeak measurements. This test determines if there are any demyelinating lesions in the peripheral nerves. Brachial plexus or central nervous system medial, ulnar, and radial nerves can be tested with this procedure. The lower profile (lumbar and extremities) SSEP usually studies the posterior tibial nerve.
SSEPs aid in the evaluation of:
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Abnormal skin sensation
Nerve root compression
Spinal cord tumor
Spinal trauma or injury
Cervicobrachial syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome
Multiple sclerosis
Herniated discs
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Radiculopathy
Neuritis
Myelopathy
Numbness and tingling
Burning sensation
Diabetes
Plexopathy
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Other tests that complement the SSEP:
Dermatosensory evoked potential (DEP)
Nerve conduction velocity (NCV)
Musculoskeletal or spinal ultrasound
DEP Dermatosensory Evoked Potential
This is a test of specific nerve roots. The upper profile (cervical and extremities) usually includes C6, C7, and C8 nerve roots. The lower profile (lumbar and extremities) usually includes L4, L5, and S1 nerve roots. This is a very valuable diagnostic procedure for trauma patients where one suspects radiculopathy. In most trauma cases, the sensory nerves are affected before the motor fibers, and a dermatosensory study can aid in diagnosing an early radiculopathy.
DEPs aid in the evaluation of:
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- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Vertebral subluxation complex
- Plexus stretch injury
- Nerve root irritation
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- Motor/sensory deficits
- Cord injury
- Neuritis
- Radiculitis
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Other tests that complement DEP:
Musculoskeletal or spinal ultrasound
Nerve conduction velocity (NCV)
Somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP)
H-reflex Study
Tests the response of muscle stretch receptors, nerve conduction, spinal neuron activity, and muscle contractions. A useful neurodiagnostic test for the diagnosing of an S1 radiculopathy.
Musculoskeletal and Spinal Ultrasound
An ultrasound exam is a diagnostic test that uses high-frequency sound waves to image the body. Ultrasound is used to image the soft tissue structures and major blood vessels. An ultrasound test can help the doctor document soft tissue injuries and identify signs of inflammation in the facets, nerve roots, tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
Musculoskeletal and spinal ultrasound aid in the evaluation of:
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- Brachial injury/irritation
- Facet syndromes/injury
- Facet-referred pain
- Focal neuropathy
- Hyperflexion/ hyperextension injury
- Ligament strain/ inflammation
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Lumbosacral pain
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- Malingering
- Musculoligamentous injuries
- Fibrous scars
- Myofascial irritation
- Myofascial pain
- Nerve root area inflammation
- Dermatomyositis
- Trigger points/ referred pain
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