Electromyography

Electromyography (EMG)

It is a medical procedure that consists in evaluating the function of skeletal muscles and nerves, which is 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 the nerves at different points along their path through 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 member where the recording is made. Although at first, the patient may be slightly surprised by the sensation given by the electrical stimulation, it is not painful and most patients feel comfortable during the test procedure.
The needle examination consists of inserting small and thin needles into the muscles to record the electrical activity. It is possible that the patient feels slight pain and discomfort when the needles are inserted. The doctor will ask the patient to relax and then slightly tense their muscles, during which they will listen and monitor the electric signals.

If the patient is under treatment with anticoagulants, suffers from pulmonary diseases, or is prone to the risk of infection, they must inform the doctor who performs the test accordingly. On the day of the test, the patient must avoid applying any lotions or creams to the area that will be examined and must not wear any kind of jewelry. The results are available immediately after the test.