What is an Electromyography (EMG)?
Electromyography (EMG) is a modern neurophysiological, functional, diagnostic, and clinical study performed on a patient — or even on a healthy individual.
This examination is carried out exclusively by a specialized Neurologist.
Why is it performed?
The brain, nerves, and muscles communicate using electricity.
The purpose of the test is to evaluate the electrical activity of the nerves and muscles.
It checks the function of the peripheral nerves (those outside the brain and spinal cord), the muscles, and the neuromuscular junction (the point where the nerve connects to the muscle). It determines if there is a problem, where exactly it is located, and how significant it is.
In this way, the neurologist can diagnose and even prevent many diseases of the muscles, nervous system, and indirectly of the skeletal and motor system in general.
Which conditions does it concern?
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Ulnar Groove Syndrome
- Cervical Nerve Injuries
- Polyneuropathies
- Multiple Mononeuritis
- Myositis
- Muscular Dystrophies
- Myotonias
- Poliomyelitis
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Myasthenic Syndromes
- Discopathies (spinal disc disorders)
- Diabetes Mellitus
Furthermore, with electromyography we can, with significant accuracy, determine the cause of chronic pain, numbness, burning, or stiffness in the hands, feet, or other areas. Instability while walking, clumsiness in the movement of the hands and feet, changes in handwriting or in the ability to button clothing, tremors, dyskinesia, weakness of the hand, foot, face, or other areas, atrophy, asymmetry of the hand, foot, or trunk, and facial deformities are some of the symptoms that can be interpreted through this examination.
How is the examination performed?
The patient is connected to the electromyograph. The test can be performed either while seated or lying down. Special needle-shaped electrodes are placed into muscles selected by the doctor, depending on the diagnostic objective. With electrical stimulation of the nerves or muscles, the doctor records the necessary data.
The data can be collected in three phases:
- During evoked muscle contraction (by transmitting a small amount of weak electrical current)
- During muscle rest
- During voluntary muscle contraction, when the doctor will ask you to move the muscle being examined
Is the examination painful?
Almost everyone does not feel pain during the test, only a slight discomfort. For this reason, the examination is safely recommended for children, adults, and the elderly, even for patients with heart conditions.
Are there any other risks?
Electromyography is a completely safe examination. The SOS neurologist who performs the EMG is informed about your medical history and will guide you accordingly.
How much time should I allow for the examination?
The test usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. However, electromyography differs for each patient, and its duration is determined by the findings during the course of the examination. Your results are communicated to you immediately by the SOS neurologist.
