Why is this procedure done?
Electromyography is also called EMG. It is a test that measures the electrical activity of the muscles while at rest and when you move. Your doctor may also do other tests at the same time. This will help your doctor see if there are any problems with the way your nerves and muscles work together. Doctors order this test to learn more about signs like numbness and tingling. They may also order it if you have muscle problems like weakness, pain, or cramping. ‚
EMG is done to help look for: ‚
- Muscle conditions. Some examples are muscular dystrophy or polymyositis.
- Nerve and muscle connection problems. Myasthenia gravis is one kind of connection problem.
- Nerve problems outside of the spinal cord. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve problem.
- Health problems that affect the nerves in the brain or spinal cord. Some examples are amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or a herniated disc in the spine.
What will the results be?
Your doctor will learn more about what is causing your muscle problems. This will help your doctor decide if you need more treatment. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history and perform an exam.
- Talk to your doctor about all the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Talk to your doctor about any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- Take a shower on the day of your test. Do not use any creams, moisturizers, or powders on your skin.
- Avoid smoking or drinking liquids with caffeine 3 hours before the test.
- If it was very cold outside, wait in a warm room a few minutes before you take the test.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Your doctor will clean your skin with antiseptic.
- Your doctor will put a very thin needle electrode through your skin into a muscle in your arm or leg.
- The electrode will pick up the electrical activity made by your muscles. The activity shows up on a monitor and is tracked. You may hear pops or crackles when your muscle moves.
- Your doctor will test your muscle while it is still.
- Your doctor will then test your muscle while it moves.
- The procedure takes 30 to 90 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- Your doctor will tell you when you can go home.
- You may see bruises on the puncture site. Take pain drugs as ordered by your doctor, if needed.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- You can go back to your normal activities after the test.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- The results will help your doctor understand what kind of problem you have with muscles. Together you can make a plan for more care.
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection at the electrode sites
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Redness, drainage, or warmth at the puncture site
- Very bad pain or bleeding at the puncture site
Where can I learn more?
American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine ‚
http://www.aanem.org/Education/Patient-Resources/Learn-About-an-EMG.aspx ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/sick/emg.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚