EMG Specialist

Houston Neurology & Sleep Diagnostic Center

Allen Chu, MD, PhD

Neuromuscular Medicine Specialist & Sleep Medicine Specialist located in Greater Houston, TX

Your nerves play a major role in muscle activity and sensation. If you’re experiencing muscle pain or weakness, there may be a problem with your nerve signaling. Allen Chu, MD, PhD, at the Houston Neurology & Sleep Diagnostic Center in Houston, Texas, is an experienced physician who conducts electromyography (EMG) at his offices to test nerve activity and identify the source of your symptoms. To learn more about EMG testing, call the office nearest you today or book an appointment online.

EMG

Dr. Chu has performed more than 30,000 EMG studies. Many patients gave great comments on his EMG skills, bed-side manner, and low discomfort during the EMG testing. He’s earned a reputation among doctors and patients alike for his precise, gentle approach and ability to get the most complete and accurate information available from this technique. If you need an EMG, know that Dr. Chu and our team will make it as comfortable for you as possible.

One of the most important services we offer is electrodiagnostic medicine. Electromyography (EMG) gives your doctor essential information about the health and function of your nerves and muscles. With fellowship training at Harvard University, Dr. Chu is one of the few physicians in the Houston area with special expertise in electrodiagnostic and neuromuscular medicine

Dr. Chu is board certified in Electrodiagnostic Medicine (EMG) and Neuromuscular Medicine, in addition to Neurology. He is a well-known EMG and neuromuscular specialist in the north greater Houston area and has performed more than 30,000 EMG studies. Many patients gave great comments on his EMG skills, bed-side manner, and low discomfort during the EMG testing. He’s earned a reputation among doctors and patients alike for his precise, gentle approach and ability to get the most complete and accurate information available from this technique.

If you need an EMG, know that Dr. Chu and our team will make it as comfortable for you as possible. We’ll take the time to understand all your personal concerns and let you know exactly what to expect. In most cases, Dr. Chu will give you his initial findings from the test during your visit and provide your doctor with a full interpretation within the following 24 hours. He’ll help you understand your condition and all the available treatment options. Making sure you’re informed and clear about the care you receive is an important part of our dedication to you.

What is an electromyography (EMG) test?

An EMG is a diagnostic test that assesses muscle and motor neuron function. Your motor neurons are the nerves that tell your muscles to move. This test can determine if there’s something amiss with your muscle, the nerves, or the communication between your muscles and nerves.

Am I a good candidate for EMG testing?

Your primary care physician or Dr. Chu determines if you’re a good candidate for EMG testing after a comprehensive evaluation. Because the tests both assess nerve function, they’re usually conducted at the same time.

You may be considered a candidate if you’re experiencing:

  • Tingling or numbness in your extremities
  • Muscle weakness
  • Muscle pain or cramping

Dr. Chu also uses EMG testing to assess nerve and muscle function for people with certain medical conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, muscular dystrophy, or myasthenia gravis, which is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder.

What can I expect during EMG testing?

Dr. Chu conducts your EMG testing in-office. During your EMG, he inserts a very thin needle into the affected muscle. He then asks you to flex and contract the muscle so he can measure the activity.

You may feel some discomfort during your EMG test. Dr. Chu is an experienced physician who has performed numerous EMG tests and can make adjustments as needed to ease your discomfort.

You may feel a little sore at the sight of your needle injection for the EMG after your test, but it shouldn’t keep you from resuming your usual activities. Dr. Chu reviews the results of your testing and provides a written report. Your treatment plan depends on the results and is individualized specifically to meet your needs.

To learn more about EMG testing, call Dr. Chu at Houston Neurology & Sleep Diagnostic Center today or request an appointment online.