The Electromyography (EMG) Laboratory

A specialty Laboratory dedicated to the investigation of diseases of nerves and muscles, the Electromyography (EMG) Laboratory at Boston Medical Center is staffed by board certified EMGers, doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and testing of diseases of the peripheral nervous system.

Such conditions include:

diamond shaped bullet Neck or back pain
diamond shaped bullet Compression or entrapment neuropathies (carpal tunnel, ulnar neuropathies etc..)
diamond shaped bullet Toxic exposure
diamond shaped bullet Peripheral neuropathies
diamond shaped bullet Muscle diseases, such as muscular dystrophy
diamond shaped bullet  Neuromuscular disorders secondary to systemic disease
diamond shaped bullet Myasthenia gravis
diamond shaped bullet Motor neuron disease.

On average 600 studies are performed a year.

The staff EMGers are all Boston University faculty and have both clinical and research interests. They are interested in the investigation of diseases of the peripheral nervous system, training of residents and fellows, publishing research articles, presenting findings at national and international conferences and participating in drug studies for diseases such as Muscular Dystrophy and ALS.

What diagnostic tests are available?

A whole gamut of tests are available from the routine EMG and nerve conduction testing of carpal tunnel entrapment to the specialized investigation of patients with toxic exposure, Single Fiber EMG testing of patients suspected of having Myasthenia Gravis and ALS and the evaluation of impotence.

Education and Training

A one-year ACGME-accredited Neuromuscular Medicine Fellowship is offered for graduates of an ACGME-accredited neurology residency training program. In addition, the neuromuscular faculty participate in the education and training of residents who wish to gain experience in neurophysiological testing and other procedures. Medical students may apply for a two-week neuromuscular elective. Trainees are invited to participate in clinical neurophysiology conferences.

Research

Our faculty has published extensively on novel EMG and nerve conduction techniques and the development of special electrodes, peripheral neuropathies, Myasthenia Gravis and ALS. Our Lab has participated in the investigation of novel drug studies in the treatment of diseases such as Muscular Dystrophy and ALS.

Referrals

Patients are typically referred by their physicians. We also accept patients for second opinions and expert consultation. Our main number for scheduling patients is (617) 638-7979. Fax (617) 638-7997.

Faculty

diamond shaped bullet Peter Siao, M.D.
diamond shaped bullet Vincent Lau, M.D.
diamond shaped bullet Lan Zhou, MD, PhD
diamond shaped bullet Ariel, Marks, M.D.