NEURO-DIAGNOSTIC CENTER

 Electromyogram (EMG)

Electromyogram (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) An EMG is the recording of the electrical activity of the muscle. It assesses function of the muscle and the nerves that innervate the muscle. The EMG assists in the evaluation of nerve and muscle diseases and disorders. Patients with complaints of generalized or specific pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness often undergo EMG testing. A physician inserts a very fine needle electrode into individual muscles, one at a time. The muscle activity forms patterns of waves that are analyzed on an instrument screen that is also attached to a loud speaker for sound interpretation. The procedure is not completely painless; however, it should be tolerable. The number of muscles tested depends on the nature of the problem being assessed.

The NCS is a recording of electrical activity during stimulation of a nerve. It reveals how easily and quickly a nerve functions and evaluates the integrity of motor and sensory nerves. Patients with complaints of generalized or specific pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness often undergo NCS testing along with EMG testing. A specialized instrument delivers brief electrical pulses to activate nerves and records the electrical responses, which are then measured and analyzed. The number of nerves tested depends on the extent of the problem needing evaluation. The electrical pulses feel like tingling sensations and may cause muscles to twitch, but only during the time the pulses are active. A neurologist specializing in EMG and NCS prepares a report and interpretation of the EMG and NCS recordings.