Neurologist · Paris 16th · English & French
English-speaking neurologist in Paris: EMG, nerve conduction studies and evoked potentials
Dr Julie Zyss is a neurologist and hospital consultant in the Clinical Neurophysiology Department of Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital (AP-HP, Paris). At her private practice in Clinique Jouvenet, in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, she performs neurophysiology tests on medical referral: electromyography (EMG) with nerve conduction studies, and somatosensory and motor evoked potentials.
Consultations are held in English or in French.
- Languages
- English and French
- Location
- Clinique Jouvenet, 6 Square Jouvenet, 75016 Paris
- Tests
- EMG and nerve conduction studies, SSEP, MEP
- Referral
- Required for every test
Neurophysiology tests at the practice
Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies
Online bookingAn EMG assesses how your nerves and muscles work by recording their electrical activity. Depending on the question asked by your referring doctor, it includes a nerve conduction study — small, very brief electrical stimulations along the nerve — and/or a recording of muscle activity with a very fine needle electrode.
The test covers the upper limbs, the lower limbs or all four limbs, as stated on your referral.
It is commonly requested to:
- look for a trapped nerve, for example at the wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome);
- investigate tingling, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs;
- clarify a disorder of the peripheral nerves or muscles;
- follow up a known condition.
Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP)
Booking by phoneSomatosensory evoked potentials assess the sensory pathways of the nervous system. A sensory nerve is stimulated repeatedly at an arm or a leg, and the response is recorded at several levels along the pathway: the nerve, the spinal cord and the brain.
The recording is passive: you have nothing to do during the measurement.
Motor evoked potentials (MEP)
Booking by phoneMotor evoked potentials assess the motor pathways, from the brain down to the muscle. Brief stimulations are delivered and the motor response is recorded by electrodes placed on the muscles being tested.
SSEP and MEP are complementary: they are prescribed according to the question asked by your doctor.
What to expect during the test
You are settled comfortably, lying down or seated. Electrodes are placed on the skin and brief electrical stimulations are delivered; they may feel surprising but they are very short. The test is carried out step by step, and you can mention any discomfort at any time.
How long the test takes depends on the extent of the examination prescribed. The results are interpreted by the doctor.
Before your appointment
- Do not apply any cream, oil or lotion (including moisturiser or sunscreen) to the areas being tested on the day: it stops the electrodes from sticking to the skin.
- For evoked potentials, come with clean hair, without gel or hairspray.
- Take your usual medication unless your doctor has told you otherwise. Tell us if you take anticoagulants (blood thinners) or have an implanted device, such as a pacemaker or a defibrillator.
- There is no need to fast.
- Wear clothes that give easy access to the limb being tested (for example short sleeves for an upper-limb EMG).
- Bring your referral letter, your previous medical reports and the list of your current medication.
- Mention any sunburn or skin lesion on the areas being tested.
How to book an appointment
All tests are performed by appointment, on medical referral. Please check which test is written on your referral before booking: it determines the type of appointment.
EMG: book online through Doctolib, or call the practice.
Evoked potentials (SSEP, MEP): book by phone with the practice's secretariat only — the average waiting time is about two months. Please do not book an EMG slot for an evoked potentials test.
The practice does not offer general neurology consultations or EEG, and does not see children under 15.
Fees and health insurance
Dr Zyss is a “Secteur 2” doctor with OPTAM: fees may be higher than the standard French Social Security (Assurance Maladie) rate, within the limits set by the OPTAM scheme. Fees and any additional charges are explained before the test.
The Carte Vitale is accepted. The part refunded by the Assurance Maladie is based on the standard rate for the test; the rest depends on your top-up insurance (mutuelle). If you have international health insurance, check your cover with your insurer before the appointment.
Payment by cheque, cash or card.
Getting to the practice
Clinique Jouvenet, 6 Square Jouvenet, 75016 Paris — 2nd floor, with a lift. Step-free access.
- Metro line 10: Chardon-Lagache station
- Metro line 9: Exelmans station
- Bus 72: Versailles–Exelmans stop
- Public car park: Versailles Paul Reynaud, 197 avenue de Versailles, 75016 Paris
About Dr Julie Zyss
Dr Julie Zyss has been a hospital consultant (praticienne hospitalière) in the Clinical Neurophysiology Department of Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital, Paris, since 2015. She previously worked in neurovascular neurology at Groupe hospitalier Paris Saint-Joseph (2008–2015).
She holds French inter-university diplomas in clinical neurophysiology (Lille, 2008), myology (Paris VI, 2013) and movement disorders (Paris VI, 2007), and has authored or co-authored 14 articles indexed in PubMed, including French practice recommendations on evoked potentials.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr Zyss speak English?
Yes. Dr Julie Zyss consults in English and in French, so the test can be explained and carried out in English.
Do I need a referral for an EMG or evoked potentials?
Yes. Tests are performed on medical referral, and the test written on your referral determines the type of appointment to book.
Is an EMG painful?
The electrical stimulations are brief and may feel surprising. The test is carried out step by step and you can mention any discomfort at any time.
How long does an EMG take?
It depends on the extent of the examination prescribed. The practice's secretariat can give you practical details.
Can I put cream on my skin before the test?
No. On the day of the test, do not apply any cream, oil or lotion (including moisturiser or sunscreen) to the areas being tested. It prevents the electrodes from sticking and disturbs the recording. Clean, dry skin is all that is needed.
Do I need to fast or stop my medication?
No. There is no need to fast, and you take your usual medication unless your doctor has told you otherwise. Just tell us if you take anticoagulants or have an implanted device.
What is the difference between an EMG and evoked potentials?
An EMG assesses the nerves and muscles at the site being tested. Evoked potentials follow the signal along the nervous system: from the limb to the brain for sensory pathways (SSEP), and from the brain to the muscle for motor pathways (MEP). These tests are complementary and prescribed according to your doctor's question.
This page is an English version of information from the practice's French website. It is general information and does not replace medical advice. Some linked pages are in French.