Electromyography, or EMG, involves testing the electrical activity of muscles. Often EMG testing is performed with another test that measures the conducting function of nerves. This is called a nerve conduction study. Both tests are done at the physician's office in one visit. They are used to determine if there is a problem in the muscles at rest and during contraction.
EMG's may aid with the diagnosis of nerve compression or injury (such as carpal tunnel syndrome), nerve root injury (such as radiculopathy, i.e.: pinched nerve or back, diabetic & other peripheral neuropathies), and with other problems of the muscles or nerves. Less common medical conditions include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and muscular dystrophy.
EMG Preparation:
Take a bath or shower to remove all oil from your skin. Do not use body lotion or powder on the day of the test.
Procedure:
With nerve conduction studies, small electrodes will be taped to your skin or placed around your fingers. You typically will experience a mild and brief tingling sensation.
During EMG, small pings or needles are inserted into muscles to measure electrical activity. The needles are different than needles used for injection of medications. They are small and solid, not hollow like hypodermic needles. Because no medication is injected, discomfort is much less than with shots. You will be asked to contract your muscles by moving a small amount during the testing.
After the Procedure:
The doctor will go over your results with you and send a copy of his findings to your personal physician with whom you will be referred back to for any future work up or treatment as indicated.
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