Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic test that allows physicians to examine the status of the muscles and the nerves that control them.
Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic test that allows physicians to examine the status of the muscles and the nerves that control them. If you have been referred for an EMG Test by your doctor, you may have concerns about the test, how it works, and how it helps. This resource provides you with information about the purpose of an EMG, how to prepare for it, what to expect during the test, and how EMG test results can assist you with treatment.
Reasons for an EMG
Numerous conditions can affect both muscles and nerves in a way that causes pain, weakness, or unusual sensations. Examples of illnesses include carpal tunnel syndrome, pinched nerves, peripheral neuropathy, and rare neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The symptoms of these disorders can overlap. The first step in treatment is to identify the exact cause, regardless of whether it is a muscle disorder, nerve disorder, or another cause. An EMG test is beneficial for identifying whether the problem exists in the muscle itself or in the nerve and whether the nerve is transmitting the signal.
By understanding the electrical activity of your muscles with EMG, neurologists can utilise the results to help identify the reason for your symptoms. Neurologists then assess the EMG results to determine the cause of the problem and provide a more accurate diagnosis and the best treatment plan.
EMG Testing Procedure
Unlike many other testing procedures, preparing for an EMG is comparatively easy and rarely requires any modification of your routine or lifestyle. You do not need to worry about anaesthesia, sedation, or fasting. However, there are a few basic things that can help guarantee accurate results:
- You should bathe and/or shower before the EMG to wash away the oils on your skin. This will help with the contact between the electrodes on the skin.
- On the day of the EMG Test, avoid applying lotions, creams, or perfumes to your skin.
- You should let your doctor know about relevant medical history, such as haemophilia, and whether you are taking blood thinners or pyridostigmine.
If you have several external wires on your body, such as pacing wires, EMG may not be indicated, and it is important to let your neurologist know about any health devices or implants you may have.
The above precautions are intended to protect your safety and optimise the quantity/quality of data captured by the electrophysiological testing.
What to expect during the EMG?
EMG is almost always performed in conjunction with a nerve conduction study (NCS). While the NCS assesses how quickly and effectively electrical signals are transmitted through your peripheral nerves, the EMG Test assesses the electrical signals arising from your muscles directly.
This is what you can expect during your EMG appointment:
- You will be asked to relax on an examination table.
- A small, sterile needle electrode will be inserted into several muscles. The needles are thinner than standard blood draw needles.
- The electrode will detect electrical activity while your muscle is at rest.
- You will then be asked to contract the muscle, allowing the electrode to record activity while the muscle is activated.
- Signals will be recorded and displayed as waveforms on a monitor, and then printed, for later analysis.
- The neurologist will interpret the results to determine whether the symptoms arise from nerve damage, muscle dysfunction, or abnormal message transfers.
Most EMG tests take about 45 to 60 minutes, but may be longer, depending on the number of muscles and nerves tested.
Does the Test Hurt?
Needles often provoke fear, but almost all patients feel the EMG Test to be mildly uncomfortable than painful. The fine electrode needles do not inject any medication but simply pick up our body's electrical activity. You may feel a quick prick as the electrode goes into the muscle, followed by mild discomfort as the muscle contracts. Sensation will usually dissipate fairly quickly.
- If you are anxious, there are many ways to relax:
- Deep breathe to focus on your body and ease tension.
- Use guided imagery or think of calming places.
- If allowed, listen to quiet music.
- Sometimes, having the provider talk to you simply provides a reassuring distraction.
What Your Results Say:
The EMG results say a lot. They can tell you about:
- Functional issues in the muscle itself.
- Issues in transmitting electrical signals between a nerve and muscle;
- Abnormal nerve activity that could explain tingling, burning or weakness.
- By identifying the precise site of dysfunction, the EMG results allow your neurologist to prepare a specific and individualised treatment protocol. This can provide the first step toward a long-term recovery of chronic pain, numbness, or strength loss.
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Another Step Towards Neural Health
As we said before, a new diagnostic assessment can be daunting for most people, but knowing what to expect can help decrease misgivings. The EMG is a safe, helpful, and reliable way to describe any pathologic processes, if any, behind the muscle and/or nerve complaints you may have. Following some simple preparations and with some understanding of what the assessment involves, you should be able to face your appointment easily.
If you are feeling ongoing weakness, tingling, or pain, an EMG can often assist in identifying your problem and support you in your journey towards relief.
Seeking one of the best EMG tests in Delhi NCR? Connect with Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre for more.
