ELECTROMYOGRAPHY

It is a medical procedure that consists in evaluating the function of skeletal muscles and nerves, being extremely important in the diagnosis of peripheral nervous system disorders.

The electromyographic test is of two types:

• The study of nerve conduction which involves stimulating nerves at various points along their path with a small electrical discharge. The doctor will apply small electrodes to the skin for recording and will apply a small electric shock to the skin in another area of the limb where the recording is made. Although the patient may be slightly startled by the sensation of electrical stimulation at first, it is not painful and most patients feel comfortable during the testing procedure.
• Needle testing involves inserting small, thin needles into the muscles to record electrical activity. The patient may experience slight pain and discomfort when the needles are inserted. The doctor will ask the patient to relax and then gently tense the muscles, while he will listen and monitor the electrical signals.