EMG : Preparation Instructions

blue and white striped round textile
blue and white striped round textile
EMG:

Before your test :
Wash your hands and legs thoroughly.

Do not put any spray, lotion or oil.

Legs : Bring shorts or loose pants for lower extremity
Arms : Bring short sleeve tee shirt for upper extremity.

Test takes approximately 60 minutes.
blue and white striped round textile
blue and white striped round textile
What is Electromyograghy / Nerve Conduction Studies (EMG/NCS)?
Why does someone get an EMG/NCS?

EMG/NCS stands for Electromyogram (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS), two crucial tests that provide a window into the health and functionality of muscles and nerves. The human body, like a complex electrical circuit, relies on nerves to transmit signals. An EMG evaluates the electrical activity within muscles, both at rest and during contraction. NCS, on the other hand, measures how well and how fast the nerves can transmit electrical signals. Physicians recommend these tests when patients report symptoms like muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, or spasms, which might indicate conditions ranging from nerve root injuries, neuromuscular diseases, to peripheral nerve disorders.

What you should expect during an EMG/NCS

The thought of undergoing an EMG/NCS can be daunting, but being informed can ease anxiety. During an EMG, after cleaning the skin, a thin, fine needle is inserted into the muscle to measure its electrical activity. This might cause a brief, mild discomfort but is generally well-tolerated. For the NCS, electrodes are adhered to the skin. Small electrical pulses are then sent through the nerves, which might feel like a quick, tingling sensation. Both tests together usually last between 30 minutes to an hour.