Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure to assess the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them (motor neurons).

Motor neurons transmit electrical signals that cause muscles to contract. An EMG translates these signals into graphs, sounds or numerical values that a specialist interprets.

An EMG uses tiny devices called electrodes to transmit or detect electrical signals.

During a needle EMG, a needle electrode inserted directly into a muscle records the electrical activity in that muscle.

A nerve conduction study, another part of an EMG, uses electrodes taped to the skin (surface electrodes) to measure the speed and strength of signals traveling between two or more points.

EMG results can reveal nerve dysfunction, muscle dysfunction or problems with nerve-to-muscle signal transmission.

WHY IT IS DONE

Your doctor may order an EMG if you have signs or symptoms that may indicate a nerve or muscle disorder. Such symptoms may include:

• Tingling
• Numbness
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle pain or cramping
• Certain types of limb pain

EMG results are often necessary to help diagnose or rule out a number of conditions such as:

• Disorders of nerves outside the spinal cord (peripheral nerves), such as carpal tunnel syndrome or peripheral neuropathies

• Disorders that affect the nerve root, such as a herniated disk in the spine

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

You’ll likely be asked to change into a hospital gown for the procedure and lie down on an examination table. The following explanations can help you understand what will happen during the exam:

• The neurologist or a technician places surface electrodes at various locations on your skin depending on where you’re experiencing symptoms. Or the neurologist may insert needle electrodes at different sites depending on your symptoms.
• The electrodes will at times transmit a tiny electrical current that you may feel as a twinge or spasm.
• During the needle EMG, the neurologist will assess whether there is any spontaneous electrical activity when the muscle is at rest — activity that isn’t present in healthy muscle tissue — and the degree of activity when you slightly contract the muscle. 
He or she will give you instructions on resting and contracting a muscle at appropriate times. Depending on what muscles and nerves the neurologist is examining, he or she may ask you to change positions during the exam.

 RESULTS

• The neurologist will interpret the results of your exam and prepare a report. Your primary care doctor, or the doctor who ordered the EMG, will discuss the report with you at a follow-up appointment.

This information is compliments of:

WASHINGTON MEDICAL

DR. ROBERT LABACZEWSKI AND DR. DOMINIC LAGANELLA

TO CONTACT OUR OFFICE, PLEASE CALL:

SEWELL AND WOOLWICH TWP: (856) 582-8041

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