Neurological Consultation
Neurological consultations are typically requested by a referring physician. Neurological issues such as headaches, pain, numbness, muscle fatigue or weakness or other difficulties are discussed in detail and a complete neurological examination is performed. Records from your physician and prior test results will also be reviewed.
Dr. Atkinson will next discuss with you the diagnosis or diagnostic possibilities and a course of treatment will be decided upon. This may include scheduling additional testing, beginning medication, or referring to physical therapy or to other specialists. The consultation may include explanations of medical terms and syndromes and additional education.
Consultations are scheduled typically as 50 minute appointments to allow time to answer all your questions. It is important to arrive sufficiently early to complete all the patient paperwork prior to the appointment time. For your convenience you may click on FORMS above and download the required patient forms to complete at home and bring with you to your visit.
Nerve Conduction and EMG Testing
Nerve Conduction testing evaluates how well a signal travel along a nerve and can help find the cause of abnormal nerve function.
Signals are made to travel along the nerve by applying small electrical impulses to the nerve at one site, and recording the response at a different site along the nerve of over a muscle supplied by that nerve.
Needle electromyography (EMG) involves inserting a very fine needle electrode into a muscle. Muscle activity is played on a speaker and displayed on a monitor for analysis by Dr. Atkinson. The test may demonstrate abnormalities in the muscle itself, or in the nerves which connect to the muscle.
Common symptoms for which testing may be performed include numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, cramping, muscle wasting, and muscle fatigue.
Patient Guide
Please click on PATIENT GUIDE to the left to read more about nerve conduction and EMG testing.