He or she will give you instructions on resting and contracting a muscle at appropriate times. Depending on what muscles and nerves the neurologist is examining, he or she may ask you to change positions during the exam. If you're concerned about discomfort or pain at any time during the exam, you may want to talk to the neurologist about taking a short break. You may experience some temporary, minor bruising where the needle electrode was inserted into your muscle.
This bruising should fade within several days. If it persists, contact your primary care doctor. The neurologist will interpret the results of your exam and prepare a report. Your primary care doctor, or the doctor who ordered the EMG, will discuss the report with you at a follow-up appointment. Explore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions.
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Electromyography EMG is a diagnostic procedure to assess the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them motor neurons.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Daroff RB, et al. Clinical electromyography.
In: Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice. EMG may be done to find the cause of symptoms, such as muscle weakness, deformity, stiffness, and shrinkage. You may feel some discomfort when the needle electrodes are put into your muscles. It may feel like an acupuncture needle. Afterwards, your muscle may feel sore for a few days.
A bruise may appear at the needlestick site. The insertion of the electrodes may also cause false results on a muscle biopsy or during blood tests in which muscle enzymes are measured. EMG may call for special precautions when done in people on anticoagulant therapy blood thinning medicine such as warfarin. That's because the needle electrodes may cause bleeding within the muscle. There may be other risks based on your specific health problem. Be sure to talk about any concerns with your healthcare provider before the test.
Ask your healthcare provider to tell you what you should do before your test. Below is a list of common steps that you may be asked to do:. Your healthcare provider will explain the test to you and you can ask questions.
You will be asked to sign a consent form that gives your permission to do the test. Read the form carefully and ask questions if something is not clear. Generally, fasting is not needed before the test. In some cases, cigarettes and caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, tea, and cola may be restricted 2 to 3 hours before testing. Tell your healthcare provider of all medicines prescribed and over-the-counter and herbal supplements that you are taking.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have a pacemaker or other implanted devices such as deep brain stimulator. Dress in clothes that permit access to the area to be tested or that are easily removed. Stop using lotions or oils on your skin for a few days before your test, or at least stop using them on the day of the exam. A sedative or pain reliever may be prescribed before the test. If so, you may need to have someone drive you home afterwards. Based on your health problem, your healthcare provider may request other specific preparations.
An EMG may be done on an outpatient basis or as part of your stay in a hospital. Steps may vary based on your health problem and your healthcare provider's practices. Talk with your healthcare provider about what you will go through during your test.
The EMG is done by a healthcare provider who specializes in nerve disorders. An EMG translates these signals into graphs or numbers, helping doctors to make a diagnosis. A doctor will usually order an EMG when someone is showing symptoms of a muscle or nerve disorder.
These symptoms may include tingling, numbness, or unexplained weakness in the limbs. EMG results can help the doctor diagnose muscle disorders, nerve disorders, and disorders affecting the connection between nerves and muscles.
Some symptoms that may call for an EMG include:. The results of an EMG can help your doctor determine the underlying cause of these symptoms. Possible causes could include:. Make sure to notify your doctor about any over-the-counter or prescription medications you may be taking.
You may not be able to have an EMG if you have any of these medical conditions or devices. You will be asked to lie down on an examination table or to sit in a reclined chair. Your doctor may ask you to move into different positions during the procedure.
The nerve conduction study is the first part of the procedure. It involves placing small sensors called surface electrodes on the skin to assess the ability of the motor neurons to send electrical signals. The nerve conduction study is performed first. These electrodes will evaluate how well your motor neurons communicate with your muscles.
Once the test is complete, the electrodes are removed from the skin. After the nerve conduction study, your doctor will perform the needle EMG. Your doctor will first clean the affected area with an antiseptic. Then, they will use a needle to insert electrodes into your muscle tissue. You may feel slight discomfort or pain while the needle is being inserted. The needle electrodes will evaluate the electrical activity of your muscles when contracted and when at rest. These electrodes will be removed after the test is over.
During both parts of the EMG procedure, the electrodes will deliver tiny electrical signals to your nerves.
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