EMG/NCS Learning Objectives

PGY-2 Objectives

Foundation & Developing Independence

NCS Patient Care

  • Describe peripheral anatomy (brachial plexus, lumbosacral plexus)
  • Perform focused H&P pertinent to study
  • Independently perform NCS screen for median, ulnar, radial nerves

Radiculopathy

  • Understand pathophysiology of radiculopathy
  • Outline appropriate diagnostic plan
  • Properly perform NCS for radiculopathy (understand when NCS are normal vs abnormal)

Peripheral Neuropathy

  • Assess and diagnose basic neuropathy patterns
  • Properly perform NCS for peripheral neuropathy
  • Classify neuropathy types (axonal vs demyelinating)

Medical Knowledge

  • Differentiate neuropathy vs myopathy
  • Explain pathophysiological differences
  • Apply knowledge to diagnostic decision-making

Spontaneous Discharges

  • Recognize fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves
  • Identify fasciculation potentials and complex repetitive discharges

Plexus Anatomy

  • Trace nerve roots, branches, cords, divisions, and trunks (basic level)
  • Localize lesions in upper and lower limbs

Report Writing

  • Understand importance of comprehensive EDx reports
  • Recognize basic structure
  • Complete templates with appropriate recommendations

PGY-3 Objectives

Independent Practice

NCS Patient Care

  • Perform complete NCS independently

Radiculopathy

  • Perform and interpret EMG studies independently

Peripheral Neuropathy

  • Distinguish between different neuropathy patterns independently

Medical Knowledge

  • Independently diagnose neuropathy vs myopathy cases

Spontaneous Discharges

  • Assess myokymic discharges
  • Evaluate recruitment patterns qualitatively

Plexus Anatomy

  • Understand entrapment neuropathy differential diagnosis

Report Writing

  • Prepare comprehensive EDx reports in timely manner

PGY-4 Objectives

Complex Cases

NCS Patient Care

  • Perform complex studies (blink reflex, repetitive nerve stimulation, proximal studies)

Radiculopathy

  • Communicate findings via coherent EDx report

Peripheral Neuropathy

  • Handle complex neuropathy cases with atypical presentations

Medical Knowledge

  • Handle unusual and complex diagnostic scenarios

Spontaneous Discharges

  • Evaluate recruitment patterns quantitatively

Plexus Anatomy

  • Diagnose complex plexopathies with multiple level involvement

Report Writing

  • Integrate clinical and EDx findings
  • Provide ranked differential diagnosis

Advanced & Beyond

Expert/Teaching Level

NCS Patient Care

  • Capable of teaching and discussing full differential diagnosis

All Competencies

  • Expert level proficiency
  • Capable of teaching others
  • Handle all cases including rare/complex scenarios
  • Educate patients, families, and colleagues