MDS Medical Diagnostics Services
EMG, NCV, & EP's VNG & Balance Board
Welcome to MDS
Thank you for putting your trust in our team of compassionate and highly trained professionals. At MDS your health and peace of mind are of the utmost importance to us. This is why you can expect to always be greeted by a caring, attentive, efficient and professional staff who will treat you like we would like to be treated ourselves. You can also look forward to receiving the most advanced care possible in a comfortable and relaxing environment. You are in good hands with us because we care about you.
Advanced Technology
Whether it’s an EMG, NCS, EPs, VNG, or Balance Testing our state-of-the-art equipment provides the most accurate e-Neuro and Videonystagmography Diagnostics Testing that science and technology currently offer. Our staff and technical team view the Diagnostics process from the patient’s perspective and are committed to providing results quickly and accurately, and easing the patient’s anxiety through compassionate care.
Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Study
MDS provides comprehensive nerve conduction studies and EMG evaluations performed by a technologist with expertise in neurodiagnostic testing. An invaluable diagnostic tool, electromyography (EMG) results provide evidence in support of diagnoses of:
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Peripheral neuropathy Motor neuron diseases
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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Spinal muscular atrophy
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Muscle disorders Myopathy
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Muscular dystrophy Neuromuscular junction disorders
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Myasthenia gravis Entrapment neuropathies
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Ulnar and peroneal neuropathies Traumatic nerve injury
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Evaluation of the brachial plexus Facial neuropathy
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Carpal tunnel syndrome
February 29, 2016
Videonystagmography (VNG)
is used to evaluate patients with dizziness, vertigo, or balance dysfunction. The inner ear and eyes movements are connected through the vestibular-ocular reflex. The vestibular system monitors the position and movements of the head in order to stabilize retinal images on the eye.
Electromyogram (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies
February 29, 2016
An electromyogram (EMG) measures the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during contraction. Nerve conduction studies measure how well and how fast the nerves can send electrical signals.Nerves control the muscles in the body with electrical signals called impulses. These impulses make the muscles react in specific ways. Nerve and muscle problems cause the muscles to react in abnormal ways.
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Videonystagmography
At MDS we use Videonystagmography (VNG) technologies for testing inner ear and central motor functions.
VNG testing is considered the new standard for testing inner ear functions over Electronystagmography (ENG), because VNG measures the movements of the eyes directly through infrared cameras, instead of measuring the mastoid muscles around the eyes with electrodes like the previous ENG version.
VNG testing is more accurate, more consistent, and more comfortable for the patient. By having the patient more comfortable and relaxed, consistent and accurate test results are more easily achieved.
VNG testing is used to determine if a vestibular (inner ear) disease may be causing a balance or dizziness problem and is one of the only tests available today that can decipher between a unilateral (one ear) and bilateral (both ears) vestibular loss.
VNG testing is a series of tests designed to document a person's ability to follow visual objects with their eyes and how well the eyes respond to information from the vestibular system.
This test also addresses the functionality of each ear and if a vestibular deficit may be the cause of a dizziness or balance problem. To monitor the movements of the eyes, infrared goggles are placed around the eyes to record eye movements during testing.
VNG testing is non-invasive, and only minor discomfort is felt by the patients during testing as a result of wearing goggles.
Appointments usually last about 1.5 hours, and testing is covered by all insurances.
There are 4 main parts to a VNG test:
1. Ocular Mobility
You will be asked to have your eyes follow objects that jump from place to place, stand still, or move smoothly. The technician will be looking for any slowness or inaccuracies in your ability to follow visual targets. This may indicate a central or neurological problem, or possibly a problem in the pathway connecting the vestibular system to the brain.
2. Optokinetic Nystagmus
You will be asked to view a large, continuously moving visual image to see if your eyes can appropriately track these movements. Like the ocular mobility tests, the technician will be looking for any slowness or inaccuracies in your ability to follow visual targets. This may indicate a central or neurological problem, or possibly a problem in the pathway connecting the vestibular system to the brain.
3. Positional Nystagmus
The technician will move your head and body into various positions to make sure that there are no inappropriate eye movements (nystagmus) when your head is in different positions. This test is looking at your inner ear system and the condition of the endolymph fluid in your semicircular canals. The technician is verifying that small calcium carbonate particles called otoconia are not suspended in the fluid and causing a disturbance to the flow of the fluid.
4. Caloric Testing
The technician will stimulate both of your inner ears (one at a time) with warm and then cold air. They will be monitoring the movements of your eyes using goggles to make sure that both of your ears can sense this stimulation. This test will confirm that your vestibular system for each ear is working and responding to stimulation. This test in the only test available that can decipher between a unilateral and bilateral loss.