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The electromyography test (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure to assess the health of muscles and nerves. Neurons transmit electrical signals that cause muscles to contract. An EMG translates these signals into graphs, sounds or numerical values that a specialist interprets. An EMG uses tiny devices called electrodes to transmit or detect electrical signals. During a needle EMG, a needle electrode is inserted directly into a muscle which records the electrical activity in that muscle. A nerve conduction study (NCS) or nerve conduction velocity (NCV) study is another part of an EMG (plea refer to NCS or NCV chapter). Both tests may result in some discomfort, but are usually well tolerated. EMG testing can provide your doctor with specific information about the extent of nerve and /or muscle injury and may also determine the location of nerve injury and problems with nerve to muscle signal transmission.
You or a close family member will be asked to sign a legal document called a consent form. It gives healthcare providers permission to do the procedure. It also explains the problems that may happen, and your choices. Make sure all your questions are answered before you sign this form.
Eat your normal meal on the day of the test and continue any medication you are taking unless otherwise instructed. Take a shower or bath before your exam in order to remove oils from your skin. Do not apply creams/ lotions/ oils on hands, arms, legs and feet. Remove all jewelry (rings or bracelets) and wrist watch. Please try to keep your hands and feet warm before the test.
The doctor conducting the EMG/NCS test will need to know if you have certain medical conditions. Please inform the doctor if you:
-Have a heart pacemaker/ implanted defibrillator or any other electrical medical device
-Take blood thinning medications i.e. coumadin, Plavix, Xarelto or Eliquis. Please hold blood thinners (anticoagulants) for three days prior to the exam if permitted by your prescribing physician. Aspirin is permitted without change.
-Have hemophilia, a blood clotting disorder that causes prolonged bleeding.
EMG test is a low risk procedure, and complications are extremely rare. There is a small risk of bleeding and infection where the needle electrode is inserted. A risk that has been reduced in the last decades by using better needles and sterile techniques.
You may experience some muscle soreness and temporary minor bruising where the needle electrode is inserted into your muscle, and this is very rarely too. This bruising should fade in several days. If it persists, contact your primary care doctor. A report that includes the results and an interpretation will be sent to your doctor who will discuss the results with you.
Please note:
Electro-myography (EMG) studies are either performed at the Neurology Mobile System Associates offices in 10661 SW 88 Th St, Suite 104 MIAMI, FL 33176, or in another Medical Office, appointed for your convenience – Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment – If you anticipate being late please call to reschedule at 305 2707771 – If you need to cancel your appointment, please do so at the same phone number, at least 24 hours in advance.