Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure used to assess the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them (motor neurons). It’s often used to diagnose or rule out a variety of neuromuscular disorders.
During an EMG test, small electrodes are inserted into your muscles to record the electrical activity. This activity is then displayed on a monitor, allowing a doctor to analyze how your muscles and nerves are functioning. The procedure is performed by a highly skilled AHN neurologist and the results are analyzed by a multidisciplinary team to understand your results.
When performed by a skilled and experienced professional, like those at AHN, an EMG is a highly accurate and invaluable diagnostic tool for evaluating neuromuscular disorders. It provides critical information that often cannot be obtained through other means.
The AHN Neuromuscular Program and its highly experienced and compassionate staff are focused on providing comprehensive care for conditions that affect your nerves and muscles. We put you at the center of everything we do and work to improve your health outcomes so you can live your fullest life. As our patient, your care will focus getting the right diagnosis and treatment plan through a team-based approach to care.
Our expert staff has decades’ worth of experience in treating these conditions and are certified by both the American Board of Clinical Neurophysiology and the American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine. This dual certification illustrates the exceptional quality of care and dedication our staff are to performing at the highest standards of practice in clinical neurophysiology and electrodiagnostic medicine.
When having an electromyography test from AHN’s Neuromuscular Program, patients can expect:
There are certain conditions that are best served by conducting an EMG. They often include:
If your doctor recommends having an EMG test, this procedure usually has two parts:
Your AHN care team will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your test, but you will provide your doctor with a complete list of all medications you are taking, especially blood thinners (anticoagulants like warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Plavix, aspirin, etc.). Your doctor might advise you to temporarily stop some of these before the test to reduce the risk of bruising or bleeding, but never stop medication without explicit instructions from your doctor.
Your doctor will likely ask about any bleeding disorders, pacemakers, implanted defibrillators, or other electrical medical devices. Let them know about any allergies, especially to latex or adhesive tape.
Don't hesitate to ask your doctor or the clinic staff any questions you have about the procedure beforehand.
On the day of your test, do not apply any lotions, creams, oils, or powders to your skin, especially in the areas where the electrodes will be placed or where needles might be inserted. These products can interfere with the electrical signals and make it difficult for the electrodes to stick or for the test to be accurate.
After your electromyography test, you might experience some mild muscle soreness, tenderness, or bruising at the needle insertion sites for a day or two. However, you can usually resume your normal activities immediately after the test.
The doctor who performed your EMG test will analyze the results and compile a report. Talk with your referring physician to discuss results.
Understanding an electromyography (EMG) test can help you feel more prepared and confident. These frequently asked questions offer brief answers to common concerns, so you can have a more informed conversation with your doctor about the procedure.
An EMG is a diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity of your muscles and the nerves that control them. It helps your doctor understand how well your nerves are sending signals and how your muscles are responding.
An EMG test is used to diagnose various nerve and muscle disorders that can cause symptoms like numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain. This includes conditions such as pinched nerves, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, and muscle diseases.
The length of an EMG test can vary, but it typically takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. This depends on how many nerves and muscles need to be examined based on your symptoms.
If your EMG results are abnormal, it means the test has identified an issue with your nerves or muscles. Your doctor will discuss these findings with you in detail, explain what they mean for your specific condition, and outline the next steps for treatment or further evaluation.
To schedule an appointment or learn more about AHN neuroscience services, call 412-359-6200.
If you're an existing patient, you can also call (412) DOCTORS 412-362-8677 in Pittsburgh or request an appointment with AHN neuroscience services.
