FAQs
A few of the most commonly asked questions for the DERMATOMAL SENSORY NERVE CONDUCTION TEST are listed below. This test is designed to evaluate the status of your nerves in your upper, middle, and lower spine. These are the nerves which control the pain and feeling in your back, neck, legs, and arms.
How long does it take?
About one hour.
Does it hurt?
Yes, a little.
What do I wear?
Loose clothing, exposed knee.
Can I take my usual medication?
Yes
Who do I contact for billing questions, concerns, or general questions?
All questions
should be directed to our office at 858-569-8959. No other office has account information.
What if I have any special needs, such as needing a translator?
Please call 858-569-8959 in advance so we may accommodate your need.
What does a Spinal Neurophysiologist do?
Simply, Spinal Neurophysiologists help diagnose the spinal problem by mapping the spinal nerves and cord surgically, watch these nerves to maintain their safety and improvement, and then during spinal instrumentation make sure the spinal cord and nerves are not damaged.
What are the symptoms and possible causes of a spinal problem?
Patients with spinal problems often suffer from pain, tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in their legs and arms along with lower back and neck pain. The nerves in the spine being pinched or compressed generally cause these symptoms of pain. This compression can be caused by spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the spinal canal), a bulging spinal disc, or malformations of the spinal column.
How are nerves measured/monitored?
Spinal Neurophysiology is the science of measuring how the nerves in the spine and limbs function. A diagnostic study of the nerves of the neck includes stimulating the nerves of the arms, through the neck, and then to the brain. Similarly, studying the leg nerves and measuring their function through the legs, lower back, and to the brain tests the lower back. Thus, the nerves in the spine and the limbs can be “mapped” to determine which nerves and what part of the spine is involved in the patient’s condition.
How is this used pre-surgery, during surgery, and post-surgery?
Spinal Neurophysiology becomes a “navigator,” in that they map the spine to determine where the breakdown in the spine is. If the patient is scheduled for surgery a pre-operative study is performed to help diagnose the patient’s condition. Surgical Spinal Neurophysiology is performed to help guide the surgeon to where the spinal problem is and advise him about how the nerves are working. Often this helps the surgeon know when a nerve has been improved and warns him if the nerve is in trouble.
How is monitoring used as a precaution during surgery?
Spinal instrumentation and fusion (when rods, screws, etc. are placed in the spine) is performed to fuse the improved spine in place, the placement of that instrumentation is watched very carefully. The instrumentation itself often is within one-quarter inch or less of the spinal cord or spinal nerves. By carefully monitoring the spinal cord and spinal nerves the Neurophysiologist can immediately warn the surgeon if the spinal cord or spinal nerves are in danger and a possible surgical complication can be avoided.
