Electromyography
(EMG) tests
What is the test?
How
do I prepare for the test?
What
happens when the test is performed?
What
risks are there from the test?
Must
I do anything special after the test is over?
How
long is it before the result of the test is known?
What
is the test?
•
Electromyography (EMG) tests analyze nerve and muscle electrical
activity. Some types of electrical activity are normal, whereas
some patterns of electrical activity suggest a disease of nerves
or muscles. "Nerve conduction studies" are tests that
are often used in combination with the EMG evaluation. For nerve
conduction studies, the muscles and nerves are stimulated with
small bursts of electricity to see whether the nerves and muscles
respond in a normal way.
How
do I prepare for the test?
•
There is no special preparation.
What
happens when the test is performed?
•
For the EMG, thin needles are inserted one by one into the muscles
being tested. These needles are not hollow and they are thinner
than the type of needle used to draw blood. Each needle is attached
to a wire that gives signals to a machine. The needle acts like
an antenna to detect electrical patterns inside the muscle and
the nerves that are attached to that muscle. Most patients find
this test mildly uncomfortable.
•
If you have nerve conduction studies done, small pads will be
taped to the skin on your hands or feet. These pads can both deliver
mild electric shocks and can detect electric signals coming through
the skin. The shocks that are used are too small to be harmful.
They feel similar to the kind of shock you might feel if you rubbed
your feet on the carpet and then touched a doorknob. You might
feel one of your muscles twitch when the electricity is delivered.
The testing takes a variable length of time, depending on how
many muscles are being tested. It may require as long as one hour.
EMG testing requires 20 to 30 minutes.
What
risks are there from the test?
•
There are no risks from having this test done. The needles used
in the EMG are too small to put you at significant risk for bleeding
or infection. The shocks do not shock your whole body and are
too mild to cause any damage.
Must
I do anything special after the test is over?
•
No.
How
long is it before the result of the test is known?
•
A neurologist will interpret the electrical signals measured in
your muscles and will send a report to your doctor within a few
days.
Events & News -
Job Opportunities -
Community Health -
Kaaterskill Care -
Hospital Foundation -
Services
About The Hospital -
Departments -
Family Care Centers -
Physician Directory -
Contact Us
71
Prospect Ave. Hudson, NY 12534 - 518-828-7601
fax: 518-828-8525
info@ColumbiaMemorial.com - Hospital
Disclaimer
