A non-neurologist's guide to understanding the EMG/NCV report.

Podiatrists often refer patients to electromyographers to determine the cause of pain, tingling, numbness, and other paresthesias of unknown cause. Hence, some knowledge of the study and an understanding that it is an extension of the patient's history and physical examination is imperative. To enhance the podiatrist's understanding of electromyography, a review of basic neurophysiology, the neurologic examination, and electromyography/nerve conduction velocities (EMG/NCV) are discussed. Definitions are provided for the terms introduced in the article.