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Electromyography (EMG)

The second part of the nerve test is a needle examination and as the name implies, it involves a small needle. There are no electrical shocks during the needle exam. The needles used are thin, fine and about one and a quarter inches long. The needle probe is only used as a recording device and is not used for injection purposes. Electromyography (EMG) records the electrical activity in the muscle cells directly. This test can help determine the cause or extent of muscle weakness, spasm, pain, inflammation, or paralysis in the limbs, spinal area, or even the face. Usually 5 to 6 muscles are sampled in one extremity.

The Test

A needle (an electrode) is inserted in the relaxed muscle and the muscle's electrical activity is then recorded during needle insertion or movement, at rest, and also with muscular contraction. When this is done, you will be able to hear the sound of your muscle's activity amplified by the EMG machine; it will sound something like radio static. The painful part of this section is when the needle is first inserted through the skin since all of the pain receptors are located in this area. Once inside the muscle, the sensation is usually perceived as discomfort or pressure rather than pain. Dr. Mir does his best to limit the discomfort and pain. After the exam, the muscles that were tested may feel a little sore or reddened for a day or so. You can briefly apply ice to the tender areas to help reduce this discomfort. This test is used to diagnose conditions in your extremities only. It does not repair or fix damage done to nerves and muscles.

Preparation

In preparation for the EMG, you should bathe or shower the night or mornings before the test so that the skin areas are clean. You should not apply any lotions or oils to your skin. You can take all your regular medications on schedule prior to the test. We suggest that you wear loose fitting, comfortable and easily removed clothing for any office visits with us, and we would suggest that the ladies not wear panty hose. You will be able to resume all your usual activities immediately after your test.

What to Expect During Your EMG Test

Why am I being sent to Mir Neurology and Spine Center for tests?

You are being sent for an electromyography (EMG) test because you have numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, or muscle cramping. The two tests that Dr. Mir may use to diagnose your symptoms are nerve conduction studies (NCS) and needle EMG.

How long will these tests take?

The tests usually take 20 to 45 minutes. You can perform any of your normal activities, like eating, driving, and exercising before the tests and you can also resume your normal activities after the tests. There are no lasting side effects.

How should I prepare for the tests?

Tell Dr. Mir if you are taking aspirin, blood thinners (like Coumadin®), have a pacemaker, or have hemophilia. Take a bath or shower to remove oil from your skin. Do not use body lotion on the day of the test.

When will I know the test results?

Dr. Mir will discuss your test results with you during your visit. After the exam, a copy will be sent to the referring doctor’s office for their files. You will need to check with the doctor who sent you for the next step in your care.

What kind of medical training do doctors who do EMGs have?

Doctors who do EMGs go to 4 years of medical school then have 3 or 4 more years of training in a residency program. Medical training helps the doctor decide which tests to perform based on your symptoms. It teaches doctors what can go wrong with the human body and how to tell the difference between these problems.

Who does the testing?

The American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine’s policy is that an appropriately trained doctor should do all needle EMG testing. Dr. Mir is trained and has years of experience in conducting these tests. A trained assistant or technologist, under a doctor’s supervision, can do nerve conduction studies.