11/06/2025
ELECTROMYOGRAPHY: Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic test used to assess the health of muscles and the nerves that control them. It helps doctors understand whether muscle weakness, pain, numbness, or tingling is caused by a problem in the muscles themselves or in the nerves that supply them.
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🧠 What the EMG Test Entails
An EMG is usually performed by a neurologist or physiatrist and has two main parts:
1. Nerve Conduction Study (NCS)
• Purpose: Tests how well and how fast electrical signals travel through your nerves.
• Procedure:
o Small electrodes are placed on your skin over certain muscles.
o Mild electrical pulses are sent through the nerves.
o The response is recorded to measure the speed and strength of nerve signals.
• Sensation: You may feel brief tingling or discomfort during each pulse.
2. Needle Electromyography
• Purpose: Evaluates the electrical activity of muscles themselves.
• Procedure:
o A very fine electrode is inserted into the muscle.
o You’ll be asked to relax and then gently contract the muscle.
o The electrode records electrical activity during both states.
• Sensation: Feels like a pinprick; muscles may feel sore afterward.
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⚙️ Why EMG Is Used
Doctors order EMG when there are symptoms suggesting nerve or muscle dysfunction, such as:
• Muscle weakness
• Tingling or numbness
• Unexplained pain or cramping
• Muscle twitching or atrophy (wasting)
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🩺 Conditions EMG Can Help Diagnose
• Nerve disorders:
o Peripheral neuropathy (e.g., from diabetes)
o Carpal tunnel syndrome
o Radiculopathy (pinched nerve in spine)
o Sciatica
• Muscle disorders:
o Muscular dystrophy
o Polymyositis or dermatomyositis
o Myasthenia gravis
• Neuromuscular junction disorders
o Diseases affecting the connection between nerve and muscle
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🕒 Duration and Aftercare
• The whole test usually takes 30–60 minutes.
• There’s minimal risk; some soreness or bruising can occur at needle sites.
• You can resume normal activities right after.
