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Contents
  • How EMG Works
  • What to Expect
  • When It's Used

Electromyography: Can This Test Reveal What's Wrong with Your Nerves and Muscles?

Electromyography: Can This Test Reveal What's Wrong with Your Nerves and Muscles?

The Big Picture

Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure that assesses the health of muscles and the nerves controlling them. It's like eavesdropping on the electrical conversations between your nerves and muscles.
Contents
  • How EMG Works
  • What to Expect
  • When It's Used

How EMG Works

During an EMG, a thin needle electrode is inserted into specific muscles to record their electrical activity. This activity is displayed on a screen and may also be heard through a speaker. The test can reveal whether a muscle is responding normally to nerve stimulation or if there's a problem with the muscle or the nerve supplying it.

What to Expect

An EMG can be slightly uncomfortable, but it's generally well-tolerated. You might feel a brief, sharp pain when the needle is inserted. The entire procedure usually takes 30-60 minutes. After the test, you might have some minor bruising or soreness at the needle insertion sites, but this typically resolves quickly.
Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure used to assess the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them (motor neurons) by measuring the electrical activity in response to a nerve's stimulation of the muscle.

When It's Used

Doctors often use EMG to diagnose conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, pinched nerves, and muscular dystrophy. It can help distinguish between muscle disorders and nerve disorders with similar symptoms. EMG is also useful in evaluating unexplained muscle weakness, numbness, or tingling.

FAQs

Is EMG painful?

It can cause brief discomfort but isn't usually described as painful.

Are there any risks?

Risks are minimal but may include minor bleeding or infection.

How do I prepare?

Avoid using lotions or oils on your skin before the test.

Key Takeaways

EMG is a valuable tool for diagnosing nerve and muscle problems, providing insights that other tests can't.
Curious about whether an EMG might help diagnose your symptoms? Ask Doctronic for more information.
Additional References
  1. Mayo Clinic. Electromyography (EMG).
  2. American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine. What is EMG?
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.