A diagnostic test that helps with evaluating the functioning and overall health of our skeletal muscles and the nerves controlling them is called electromyography or EMG. This type of testing belongs to the group of electrodiagnostic tests used on patients who might be suffering from different disorders of the nervous and muscle system.
Different clinics offer services of EMG testing but only experienced and knowledgeable medical professionals can give an accurate diagnosis. Due to this, take your time in researching and looking for a qualified doctor because their expertise might determine the course of your healing journey. Doctors at My OBGYN Specialists have been successfully working with different patients who have undergone EMG testing, so do not miss an opportunity to speak to them as well.
What Is Electromyography?
It is well known that even the simplest movement of our body requires the occurrence of a very complex process between our central nervous system and the rest of the nerves and muscles. When a movement is being produced, the motor nerves send electrical signals to the muscles, and the muscles perform a movement. When the motor nerves or the muscles are not functioning properly or the communication between them is not successful, doctors use electromyography to detect potential issues.
Doctors who most often perform EMG nerve testing are called neurologists, and this test is mostly followed by a nerve conduction study to measure the natural flow of the current passing through the nerve before reaching the muscle. The EMG test then measures how the muscle responds to the electrical trigger and how much electrical activity can be produced by a muscle contraction.
The logic behind EMG tests is pretty simple. To understand this logic, we need to know more about the functioning of muscles in our bodies. As mentioned, signals are sent from the nerves to the muscles when the body wants to move. These signals cause electrical activity in the muscles, and they contract, producing additional electrical activity.
When a medical professional inserts a tiny needle containing an electrode into the muscle, this needle records electrical activity. When the muscle is contracted, the electrode continues to record the activity, and the provider can see how the muscle behaves with movement and at rest. Sometimes an audio amplifier is used so that the doctor can also hear the pulses made by the electrical activity.
Depending on the electrical activity readings, the doctor can determine if there are any issues with the muscles or nerves.
So, if you are still wondering what electromyography is, continue reading this article because you will find out what it can be used for and how to prepare for the test.
Which Conditions Can Be Diagnosed by EMG?
As mentioned, a few different injuries and conditions can be diagnosed using an EMG nerve test. This method helps with overall diagnosis and determines the location, presence, and number of the mentioned injuries and issues. Sometimes conditions can also be ruled out by undergoing electromyography.
The conditions which can be diagnosed by an EMG include:
- Issues affecting the peripheral nerves: nerve compression syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy
- Issues concerning the nerve roots exiting the spinal column: sciatica, cervical radiculopathy, pinched nerves, etc.
- Conditions affecting the motor neurons in the brain or the spinal cord: post-polio syndrome, ALS, etc.
- Disorders affecting the muscles are called myopathies: dermatomyositis, polymyositis, and muscular dystrophy.
- Issues affecting the nerve-muscle connections, such as myasthenia gravis and similar.
Alongside EMG testing, tests such as blood tests, imaging tests, and muscle biopsies can be performed by doctors to give the most accurate diagnosis and make a treatment plan most suitable for your particular condition.
The EMG Test
To prepare for an EMG test, here are some useful tips:
- Take a shower before the scheduled meeting.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothes.
- Do not put any creams, perfumes, or lotions on the skin.
- If you are taking medication for blood thinning, let the doctor know because it can increase the risk of bleeding after the test.
- If you have a pacemaker, let the doctor know.
- Do not smoke cigarettes or drink coffee up to three hours before the test.
When you arrive at the appointment, you will be asked to make yourself comfortable and sit or lie down for testing. The EMG test is most often done after a nerve conduction study, where the provider uses adhesive stickers to deliver tiny electrical impulses to shock the nerves. From this, they collect the nerve response and continue to perform the EMG.
The provider then locates the muscles they wish to test and inserts a small needle that contains electrodes into the muscle. Each muscle is usually tested for two to three minutes, and you will be asked to relax and contract your muscles a few times so that the machine can measure the electric activity. Most devices also have an audio feature.
After the doctor has enough data to make a diagnosis, the needle will be taken out, and you will be able to get dressed and go home to wait for the results.
How Painful Is an EMG Test?
Many people who are advised to undergo testing of this type wonder how painful is an EMG test, and the answer is that you might feel some discomfort and pain when the needle is inserted into the muscle. Still, most people complete the testing without any problems.
After the test, you might feel some tension in the tested muscles, and they might be tender for a few days, but do not worry; this is quite common. Bruises are also common, especially where the needles were inserted into the skin, but those shall pass in a week or so.
Additional Useful Information
The test most often takes around an hour to 90 minutes. This only depends on the number of muscles the doctor must test and how fast the machine operates.
In regards to risks, EMG tests are generally considered safe. Complications are very rare, and the most common issue that can occur is bleeding after the test, which can be easily mitigated by your chosen medical provider.
When it comes to the electromyography results, they are most commonly delivered up to 48 hours after the testing is done. The diagnosis itself is not made only based on the EMG results, but it is conjunct and cross-referenced with the results of other tests done due to the condition in question.
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Our clinic has been working with patients who suffer from various nerve and muscle conditions for quite some time now, and our experts are knowledgeable and experienced enough to help you as well. Contact our clinic if you are looking for help; we are just a phone call away!