Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine

Muscle & Nerve Histopathology Laboratory

Utilizing the latest and most advanced histology techniques, our laboratory processes and evaluates skeletal muscle and peripheral nerve to aid in diagnosing conditions such as inflammatory myopathies, muscular dystrophies, vasculitis, amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, and inflammatory neuropathies. Light microscopy (paraffin and frozen sections), enzyme histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and ultrastructural (electron microscopy) studies are performed on muscle tissue. Nerve samples are evaluated by light microscopy, nerve teasing, resin embedded light microscopy (semi-thin sections) and electron microscopy.

We provide surgical services for obtaining biopsies and also receive specimens from outside institutions. Our biopsies are all open biopsies and performed under local anesthesia. Both the muscle and nerve biopsy incision sites are 3.5-5.5 cm in length and 5 small samples of muscle (1 cm x. 5cm) with fascia are routinely collected. One 3 cm in length nerve specimen is collected and sent for processing. The final results of each study are integrated with clinical information to provide a diagnostic report to the clinician. A preliminary report is available in 48 hours and a finalized report is available in one week. Photographs are included with each report.

Electromyography & Motor Control Laboratory

The Electromyography (EMG/NCV) and Motor Control Laboratory care of patients with weakness and numbness. Our focus includes myopathy, neuropathy, cervical and lumbar radiculopathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve entrapment syndromes, motor neuron disease, muscular dystrophy, and other disturbances of neuromuscular compromise.

We also provide expertise in critical care neuropathy and myopathy, evaluating phrenic nerve and diaphragm dysfunction. Further, we specialize in patients with pelvic floor dysfunction, addressing urinary and rectal compromise. 

Procedures

• EMG/NCS only
• EMG/NCS with neuromuscular ultrasound (for carpal tunnel and ulnar neuropathy)
• Muscle biopsy
• Punch skin biopsy
• Occipital nerve block for occipital neuralgia
• Botox injection for chronic migraine, hemifacial spasm and focal spasticity
  
  

A physician referral is needed to obtain testing.

Some of the procedures are done at West Pavilion building. The remaining procedures are done at Scurlock Tower.

West Pavilion Building Ste. 1121 6447 Main St. Houston, TX 77030

Scurlock Tower Ste. 802 6560 Fannin St. Houston, TX 77030

 

For more information, please call 713.363.7310.