Q. What is an EMG?

A. EMG stands for ELECTROMYOGRAPHY. This term is routinely used to describe specialized tests which involve electrical testing of nerves and muscles. The three most commonly performed electrodiagnostic tests are: Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS), Electromyography (EMG), and Evoked Potentials (EP).

Q. What symptoms might I have that this test could help with?

A. Numbness, tingling; burning or electrical sensation. Some patients complain that their hands or feet fall asleep or feel swollen. Some patients complain of dropping things and weakness.

Q. What is the purpose of this test?

A. These tests are helpful in finding the causes of numbness, tingling, weakness, cramping, pain, or other loss of function. The doctor who performs and analyzes these tests can tell if your nerves or muscles are not working properly.

Q. What kinds of problems can these tests find?

A. Most common problems that are evaluated by these tests include: pinched nerves in the neck or low back, carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and other nerve injuries in the arms or legs. Other medical conditions that may involve problems with nerves and muscles include: peripheral neuropathies (nerve disorders), myopathies (muscle disorders), and other neurologic disorders. Whether your doctor think she may have a simple problem, or possibly a more serious medical condition, electrodiagnostic testing can be an important part of finding out what is wrong, and what to do about it.

Q. What does the test involve?

A. Each test is tailored to find out precisely what your problem is and provide the answer that your doctor is looking for. Therefore, no two tests are exactly alike. The doctor who performs and interprets the test will determine which tests will be necessary to get the information that will be most helpful to you and your doctor.

Q. Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)

A. NCS test how nerves function and can identify nerves that are not working properly. Nerves are stimulated by giving small electric impulses over the nerve while recording the nerve's response at a different location. Patients feel a very mild sensation like a static shock people often get in the wintertime. Sometimes the muscles will jump like they do when you have your reflexes checked. A small number of people feel a brief tingling sensation that may last for a few minutes once the testing is completed but the majority of people have no residual sensations at all.

Q. Electromyography (EMG)

A. The doctor performing this test will insert a tiny, sterile, disposable needle beneath the surface of the skin, into the muscle to be tested. This needle electrode records signals that are generated by the muscle being tested. The doctor is able to analyze these signals and determine if the muscles or nerves that supply these muscles are working normally or not. Most people experience a mild pinching, stinging, or cramping sensation when the needle is inserted into the muscle. Rarely do people feel any more than mild discomfort during this part of the test.

Q. Evoked Potential (EP)

A. These tests are used to see how different neurologic pathways in the brain or spinal cord are working. Visual, sound, or sensory stimulations are given and the electrical responses from the brain or spinal cord (central nervous system) are measured by recorders that are attached to the scalp or skin with small amounts of paste that easily wash off with water.

Q. How long does the test take?

A. Your test may take 20 minutes to an hour or slightly longer, depending upon the specific problem, what the doctor is looking for, and how much testing is needed to get the necessary information. It is uncommon that a test will last much longer than an hour.

Q. Are there any special instructions that I need to know about?

A. If you have uncontrolled bleeding or any serious medical problems, you should tell the doctor before the test is performed. You should take all of your regular medication, including pain medications, before the test unless your doctor tells you otherwise or unless you have a neurologic condition called myasthenia gravis, in which case you should discuss this with the doctor who prescribed the medication you're taking before having any testing performed.

There are no restrictions on activity or eating before or after the test, no lasting after-effects, and the nerves and muscles being tested will not be damaged by the testing.

If you have any progressive pain, swelling, or other undesirable symptoms that develop and worsen after the test is completed, contact the doctor who performed the test to discuss your situation in more detail.

Q. What happens after the test is completed?

A. Our Physicians will analyze the test results. After interpreting the findings, we will diagnose your symptoms and create an effective treatment plan. If a physician has referred you for the electrodiagnostic test, a report will be created and sent to your referring physician.

Q. Who performs these tests?

A. Physicians at A.R.M. are certified by the American Board of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine and have completed specialty training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Physiatry) and Neurology.

Q. What if I am nervous about the test?

A. Most people are a little nervous about any medical test, particularly one that involves needles. The vast majority of people comment that the test wasn't as bad as they thought and they wouldn't have been so nervous if they had known just how simple and easy it is.

A.R.M. Physicians are sensitive to your needs and concerns and will answer any questions and concerns you may have to achieve the best possible outcome and experience with your electrodiagnostic test.

Note: These answers are not intended to be a substitute for a detailed discussion between you and your doctor, or the A.R.M. Physician performing your test. If you have any other questions or concerns, you are encouraged to contact us or talk to the Physician administering the electrodiagnostic test before it is performed.

To learn more, visit the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine at www.aanem.org.