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» Arterial Blood Gases |
» Holter Monitoring |
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Electromyogram Electromyogram & Nerve conduction studies
Why did my doctor request this test? Requests for this test are usually due to complaints of numbness or tingling in the extremities. Often complaints of a sore neck or lower back will be accompanied by shooting pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs. An EMG/nerve conduction test, accompanied by other testing, will confirm pinched nerves at a certain level of the neck or back, and can also detect entrapments within the length of a nerve. Weakness of the muscles, pain, and again numbness or tingling can be indicative of nerve or muscle disease requiring an EMG. There are various other medical problems that may suggest the need for this type of testing. If in doubt as to why you may need this test, do not be afraid to ask your doctor. What can I expect during this test? When you enter the lab, a technologist will greet you and explain the testing procedure. A brief medical history will be taken by a neurologist or a registered EMG technologist, followed by a clinical evaluation of the extremity in question. The actual test itself consists of two parts; the first being the nerve conduction study. In this part of the test, surface electrodes are placed on the skin and a light electrical stimulation is sent through the nerve. Nerve conduction studies may cause some discomfort but are not painful. The strength of the current being delivered is always kept at a safe level. Patients wearing pacemakers do not have to worry since this current is far enough away from the pacemaker and is not strong enough to interfere with such a device. The second part of the test, the EMG, involves placing a tiny pin under the surface of the skin in to the muscle. This portion of the test shows if there is any damage to the muscle due to a specific nerve entrapment or if the disease involves the muscle itself. Different muscles will be examined, depending on the history and clinical findings. How long is the test? The test will take between 30 minutes to one hour to complete. Please make sure you arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment in order to find the special testing department and register with our receptionist. How do I prepare for this test? Very few preparations are needed for this test. We ask that you wear loose clothing that allows ready access to the arms and legs. Please ensure that arms and legs are bathed and clean and free from lotions or creams. Normal meals and medication may be taken unless advised otherwise by your physician. How soon will I find out the results of the test? After the test is complete, a neurologist will examine the results and a report will be sent on to your family doctor within seven to ten days.
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An Electromyogram (EMG) or nerve conduction study is designed to evaluate the nerves and muscles of the body.