Introduction: If there is a suspicion that you suffer from a muscle or peripheral nerve disorder, your doctor may ask you to undergo a EMG. Despite the different data provided by each of the two procedures, the information obtained is complementary information and helps the doctor reach an accurate diagnosis of the nature of your condition.
Who needs the nerve and muscle planning test?
These tests are done to look for different types of symptoms, which they may include
Feeling of numbness or tingling, especially in the arms and legs
Pain in the extremities, neck, or back.
Weakness thought to originate in disturbances in the peripheral nerves, at the meeting points between muscles and nerves, or in the muscles themselves.
Muscle spasms
Trembling or trembling.
The EMG test also allows us to investigate many disorders that affect the peripheral nervous system, such as:
"Neuropathy," as in cases of herniated disc, which results in pressure on the nerve roots in the neck or in the lower back.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (compression of the median nerve in the wrist).
lower back pain.
Neck pain.
Neuropathy. As is the case with “neuropathy caused by diabetes”.
Neuropathic pain (as is the case with painful neuropathy due to diabetes or shingles.
Myasthenia gravis
(Communication disorders at the meeting points between muscles and nerves).
Myopathy (such as muscular dystrophy).
Many other cases.
Where is this test performed?
This procedure is done on an outpatient basis, and it may be performed in your doctor''s office or hospital.
Who does this test?
An EMG is performed by a neurologist or neurophysiologist, and rehabilitation and physical therapists can also perform this examination.
Neurologists, neurophysiologists, and rehabilitation and physical therapists also perform a neuroimaging test (NCS). In some specialized centers, trained and qualified neurophysiology technicians can perform this test.
How to do this test
Motor nerves transfer information from the brain to the spinal cord and through peripheral nerves to muscles. This is done through small electrical pulses that result in movement. Sensory information is also transferred from the body to the brain via the sensory nerves, by means of small electrical impulses as well.
You will be asked to lie on an examination table, bed, or chaise longue so that you are in a comfortable position and have easy access to the areas to be examined.
When performing a motor nerve conduction test, electrodes are placed, either flat metal discs or adhesive tapes, on the skin over the muscle to be examined while small electrical currents are passed through the skin over the nerve that supplies the muscle. When performing a sensory EMG test, electrodes are used either as flat or annular metal discs or adhesive tapes to study the function of these nerves.
The speed at which nerves transmit these electrical impulses (conduction velocity) and the magnitude (extent) of the response are recorded.
The information is transferred to a recording machine and displayed on a computer screen for reading by a qualified physician.
EMG involves ing a small needle on its head with a microphone into a number of muscles in order to record electrical activity in a relaxed state and in a state of movement. Where muscle activity is heard through a loudspeaker and displayed on a computer screen to be read by a qualified doctor
In many cases, the test covers areas far from symptomatic areas because the nerves may be very long. The test may be done to nerves and muscles on the other side of the body for comparison.
How long does this test take?
The EMG test takes 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the clinical course of action, while the EMG takes 15 to 45 minutes.
When both tests are required, the EMG test is performed before the EMG.
How do you prepare for this test?
Wear loose-fitting clothing that makes it easy for the doctor or technician to reach the areas to be tested. You may be required to wear a hospital gown.
Do not use any oils, ointments, moisturizers (for the skin) or any powders on the day of the test. It is preferable to shower before this procedure, although this is not necessary.
Avoid caffeine and smoking for at least three hours before the test.
Inform your doctor if you have any bleeding disorder or if you are taking blood-thinning medications.
Inform your doctor if you have been dependent on a pacemaker.
When you undergo the EMG, you will experience a brief uncomfortable tingling with a slight twitch in the muscle as the electrical current is passed. This is an occasional sensation that does not result in any damage because the current strength is far too weak to cause any damage.
During the EMG test, you will feel a sharp and brief tingling sensation as the needle enters the skin. When the needle is lodged in the muscle, you will feel a little discomfort. And sometimes when the doctor moves the needle, you will feel pain in the sensitive part of the muscle. This can be eased by moving the needle gently when you alert the doctor to your discomfort. In some cases, a slight feeling of pain and numbness may persist in the examined area for a maximum of two days.
additional information
The EMG test needle may cause a type of contusion to the muscle, which is not clinically important and does not result in any reaction. However, this may lead to a slight elevation of some muscle enzymes (CK, AST, and LDH) and therefore it is best not to have blood tests for about 10 days after the examination, as incorrect results may appear. It is also advised not to take a biopsy from a muscle that was examined a while ago, as this may give inaccurate results.
