What diseases does EMG test for?
An EMG can be used to diagnose a wide variety of neuromuscular diseases, motor problems, nerve injuries, or degenerative conditions, such as:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Cervical spondylosis.
- Guillain-Barre syndrome.
- Lambert-Eaton syndrome.
- Muscular dystrophy.
- Myasthenia gravis.
Why would a doctor order an EMG test?
Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic test that measures how well the muscles respond to the electrical signals emitted to specialized nerve cells called motor nerves. A doctor may order an EMG test if a person has symptoms of a muscular or neurological condition, such as numbness or unexplained weakness in the limbs.
Is there an alternative to an EMG test?
Acoustic myography (AMG) enables a detailed and accurate measurement of those muscles involved in a particular movement and is independent of electrical signals between the nerve and muscle, measuring solely muscle contractions, unlike surface electromyography (sEMG).
Are you awake during an EMG test?
You need to be awake for the procedure, so whatever you take should allow you to be relaxed and not asleep. Plan on resuming normal activities after the procedure.
Is a EMG test painful?
Is an EMG painful? Yes. There is some discomfort at the time the needle electrodes are inserted. They feel like shots (intramuscular injections), although nothing is injected during an EMG.
Who performs EMG?
neurologist
The EMG is performed by a neurologist (a doctor who specializes in brain and nerve disorders), although a technologist may also perform some portions of the test.
How painful is an EMG?
How long does a EMG take?
An EMG may take 30 to 60 minutes. Nerve conduction tests may take from 15 minutes to 1 hour or more. It depends on how many nerves and muscles your doctor tests.
Is EMG harmful?
EMG is a low-risk procedure, and complications are rare. There’s a small risk of bleeding, infection and nerve injury where a needle electrode is inserted.
Is an EMG painful?
Is an EMG test painful? EMG testing may result in some discomfort, but it is usually well tolerated without any need for pain medication.