Electromyogram - EMG
This is a recording of a muscle's electrical activity. It is also known as an EMG.
An electromyogram, or EMG, is a recording of a muscle's electrical activity.
- An EMG is frequently done with nerve conduction studies.
- The two studies are often done together to evaluate a muscle and the nerves that control it.
- By performing these studies, conditions that affect the muscles and/or nerves can be more accurately diagnosed.
During an EMG, very thin needles with electrodes are inserted into the muscle being tested.
- The needles measure the electrical activity in the muscle and transmit the information to a computer.
- The waveforms can be seen on a monitor or heard through computer speakers.
- A complete EMG includes the test, the doctor's interpretation, and the written report.
An EMG may be done in a doctor's office, EMG lab, or hospital.
- There is usually no special preparation for an EMG. However, you should avoid using creams or lotions on the day of the test.
- Ask your healthcare provider which regular medications you should take on the day of your test. Do not stop taking any medications unless instructed to do so.
- Let your healthcare provider know if you have a pacemaker, take medication that thins your blood or have a clotting disorder (hemophilia).
- After the needles are inserted, you will be asked to lie still. A lot of movement can affect the test results.
- There can be some pain or discomfort when the needles are inserted. Usually the discomfort is minor and does not prevent most people from finishing the test.
What should I ask my healthcare provider before having this test?
- What is the reason for the test? Will the test results change my treatment plan? If not, do I need the test?
- Is there any other special preparation for the test? (If so, get clear instructions on what you need to do.)
- What conditions or circumstances can alter the test results? Under what circumstances will I need to have the test repeated?
After your EMG, you should understand home care instructions (including medications and side effects), follow-up plans and symptoms to report to your healthcare provider.
Source UHC.com
Also known as:
Neuromuscular DiseaseMyogramMuscle Wave RecordingMuscle Electrical ActivityEMGElectromyogram - EMGElectrocardiogram
An electromyogram, or EMG, is a recording of a muscle's electrical activity.
- An EMG is frequently done with nerve conduction studies.
- The two studies are often done together to evaluate a muscle and the nerves that control it.
- By performing these studies, conditions that affect the muscles and/or nerves can be more accurately diagnosed.
During an EMG, very thin needles with electrodes are inserted into the muscle being tested.
- The needles measure the electrical activity in the muscle and transmit the information to a computer.
- The waveforms can be seen on a monitor or heard through computer speakers.
- A complete EMG includes the test, the doctor's interpretation, and the written report.
An EMG may be done in a doctor's office, EMG lab, or hospital.
- There is usually no special preparation for an EMG. However, you should avoid using creams or lotions on the day of the test.
- Ask your healthcare provider which regular medications you should take on the day of your test. Do not stop taking any medications unless instructed to do so.
- Let your healthcare provider know if you have a pacemaker, take medication that thins your blood or have a clotting disorder (hemophilia).
- After the needles are inserted, you will be asked to lie still. A lot of movement can affect the test results.
- There can be some pain or discomfort when the needles are inserted. Usually the discomfort is minor and does not prevent most people from finishing the test.
What should I ask my healthcare provider before having this test?
- What is the reason for the test? Will the test results change my treatment plan? If not, do I need the test?
- Is there any other special preparation for the test? (If so, get clear instructions on what you need to do.)
- What conditions or circumstances can alter the test results? Under what circumstances will I need to have the test repeated?
After your EMG, you should understand home care instructions (including medications and side effects), follow-up plans and symptoms to report to your healthcare provider.
Source UHC.com
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