difficulty performing daily tasks such as walking, buttoning clothes or handling objectsĮMG testing usually takes anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the condition being tested and findings of the study.tingling or frequent feeling of 'pins and needles'.Your doctor may order an EMG test if you experience any of the following symptoms: Why does my doctor want me to have an EMG test? ALS (formerly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease).(Find a doctor at HSS who performs EMG testing.) What is an EMG test used to diagnose?Ĭonditions that EMG testing helps diagnose include: In most cases, your doctor will perform both elements, but in some situations, only one or the other may be done. Each needle has a microscopic electrode that picks up both the normal and abnormal electrical signals given off by a muscle. Needle exam for muscle testing – Very fine needles are inserted into several muscles.Nerve conduction study – The nerves are stimulated at different points with small electric shocks, artificially activating them so their function can be measured.An EMG nerve test can provide your doctor with specific information about the extent of nerve and/or muscle injury and can also determine the exact location of injury and give some indication whether the damage is reversible. It is commonly performed by a physiatrist or neurologist with special training for this procedure. What you should know before an EMG test?Įlectromyography (EMG) is a form of electrodiagnostic testing that is used to study nerve and muscle function.What are the side effects of EMG testing?.Why does my doctor want me to have an EMG test?.

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