

When the study is underway, the surface electrodes will at times transmit a tiny electrical current that you may feel as a twinge or spasm. Or the neurologist may insert needle electrodes at different sites depending on your symptoms. To prepare for the study, the neurologist or a technician places surface electrodes at various locations on your skin depending on where you're experiencing symptoms. You'll likely be asked to change into a hospital gown for the procedure and lie down on an examination table. Have hemophilia, a blood-clotting disorder that causes prolonged bleeding.Have a pacemaker or any other electrical medical device.Tell the neurologist and other EMG lab personnel if you: The nervous system specialist (neurologist) conducting the EMG will need to know if you have certain medical conditions. Don't apply lotions or creams before the exam. Take a shower or bath shortly before your exam in order to remove oils from your skin. If you are taking a medication called Mestinon (pyridostigmine), you should specifically ask if this medication should be discontinued for the examination. When you schedule your EMG, ask if you need to stop taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications before the exam. When muscles along the chest wall are examined with a needle electrode, there's a very small risk that it could cause air to leak into the area between the lungs and chest wall, causing a lung to collapse (pneumothorax).

There's a small risk of bleeding, infection and nerve injury where a needle electrode is inserted. When injuries occur or when a patient suffers from a debilitating disease, electrical impulses can be disrupted or slowed, causing pain, tingling or weakness.Īn EMG or NCS can measure this change in activity and the findings can be used to diagnose certain conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, pinched nerves due to injury or a ruptured disc, as well as other neuromuscular diseases and disorders.EMG is a low-risk procedure, and complications are rare.

Muscles move when an electrical impulse from the nerve causes them to relax or contract. NCS measure the speed and intensity of the electrical signals that travel along a nerve and the time it takes for the muscles to respond to this signal. These tests can be done separately, but they are usually done at the same time.Īn EMG test measures the electrical activity of the muscles. They can help diagnose a disorder of a patient’s muscles, nerves or both. These tests evaluate the peripheral nervous system by measuring the electrical activity of muscles and nerves. To determine the cause of a patient’s pain and to develop the proper course of treatment, a physician may order electromyography (EMG) and/or nerve conduction studies (NCS). Electromyography (EMG) & Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)
