An electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic test that is used to record the electrical activity of muscles at rest and when they active. Motor neurons transmit electrical impulses to the muscles, instructing them to contract or relax. Active muscles produce an electrical current that is proportional to the level of the muscle activity. An EMG translates these signals into graphs, sounds or numerical values that can be interpreted to understand the health of the muscles.

EMG and NCS testing can be done for conditions and procedures such as:

  • Myopathy
  • Motor neurone disease
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Cervical or lumbar
  • Brachial or lumbar plexopathy
  • EMG guided Botox injection

EMG is typically recommended by doctors when patients experience symptoms such as recurring tingling numbness, muscle weakness, cramps, muscle pain, or discomfort in the legs or hands. Some conditions that can be diagnosed using this examination include:

  • Peripheral nerve disorders such as peripheral neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Disorders affecting nerve endings in the spine, such as pinched nerves and sciatica
  • Muscle disorders such as muscular dystrophy, polymyositis, and dermatomyositis
  • Motor neuron disorders in the brain or spine, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Disorders affecting the connection between nerves and muscles, such as myasthenia gravis.

Services & Procedures Offered

In order to conduct an EMG, a needle electrode that is attached to a recording machine is inserted into a muscle. The electrode then records the electrical activity in the muscles when it is at rest. Patient will be asked to flex the muscle slowly and steadily, and the electrode will record the change in electrical activity. The electrode may be moved several times in order to collect a variety of different readings in different muscles.Prior to conducting the test, patients are advised to consult the doctor if:

  • Have experienced any bleeding problems, or are taking any blood thinners

Patient should wear loose fitting clothes, or will be provided a hospital gown to wear. Patient should also take a bath or a shower before the exam to remove oil on the body. Do not apply lotions or creams to the skin before the exam.