How do we diagnose a channelopathy?

The diagnosis can be made following a clinic consultation with one of our doctors.

There are a combination of things we consider to make a diagnosis, this includes:

  • History & examination:

    • This involves talking through your story including your childhood and family history as well as work, and medications.

    • Examination involves a neurological examination of your nerves and muscles and a general physical examination

  • Blood tests:

    • This may include genetic tests and other tests to exclude other causes of your symptoms.

  • Neurophysiology


    • Nerve conduction studies and electromyography involves testing your nerves with small pulses of current and sometimes very small needles. This tests the function of your nerves and muscles. It can sometimes be slightly uncomfortable, but is very safe. We may also do more specialist tests to exercise your finger muscles. Click here for more information about neurophysiology tests.


  • MRI:

    • Sometimes an MRI scan of your muscles can be helpful to look at the structure of your muscles.
    • This usually involves a scan of your leg muscles

Sometimes additional tests may also be needed. To learn more about what happens in our clinic click here.