ELECTROMYOGRAPHY (EMG)
An electromyography (EMG) measures the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during contraction. For this part of the test, a small, thin needle electrode is put into several muscles to look for diseases that damage muscle tissue or nerves. EMG is performed by a doctor who is specialized in this field. The doctor will look at and listen to the signals that travel from the electrode to the EMG machine.
How To Prepare For EMG ?
- Do not wear any lotion or makeup on the day of the exam, as oils can interfere with results. Take a bath or shower to remove oil from your skin.
- If you are taking blood thinners or have a history of bleeding problems, talk to your Neurologist.
- Certain medicines such as anticholinesterase inhibitors (i.e. Mestinon) can alter results. Thus, these medications should be held on the morning of the exam, after consultation with your Neurologist.
- Please inform the clinic nurse and/or physicians if you have a pacemaker, as it could be affected by the small electrical impulses sent during the NCS.
What to Expect ?
The test usually takes from 1 to 2 hours. You can do any of your normal activities, like eating, driving and exercising, before or after the test. There are no lasting side effects. You may feel some discomfort or minor bleeding around the electrode insertion points during the test.