Electromyography (EMG) measures and records the electrical activity of a muscle. The test can record a muscle's electrical activity at rest or during a muscle contraction.
An EMG is often done with nerve conduction studies . These studies can analyze the electrical activity in your nerves.
EMG is most often done to:
Make sure you talk to your doctor about the medicines you are taking. You may be asked to adjust certain medicines up to a week before the test, such as:
On the day before and day of the test:
A small needle electrode will be inserted into a muscle at rest. You will be asked to rest or contract the muscle. The electrical activity picked up by the needle will produce a waveform. The waveform will be recorded and analyzed. The test is repeated on different muscles and limbs.
You will be able to leave once the test is done. Once you are home:
30-90 minutes
You may have some pain when the needle electrodes are inserted. The insertion feels like an injection into the muscle.
After the test, you may have muscle aches and discomfort for several days. Warm compresses and pain medicine may help.
RESOURCES:
National Institutes of Health
http://www.nih.gov/
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
Muscular Dystrophy Canada
http://www.muscle.ca/
References:
Medical encyclopedia: electromyography. National Library of Medicine website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus. Accessed August 1, 2003.
What to expect during your EMG test. American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine website. Available at: http://www.aanem.org/index.cfm?. Updated March 2005. Accessed June 5, 2008.
Young RR, Hutton JT, Homan RV. Gait and movement disorders. American Academy of Neurology website. Available at: http://www.aan.com/familypractice/html/chp8.htm. Accessed June 5, 2008.
Last reviewed November 2009 by John C. Keel, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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