What is an EMG test used to diagnose?

Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure to assess the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them (motor neurons). EMG results can reveal nerve dysfunction, muscle dysfunction or problems with nerve-to-muscle signal transmission.

How painful is an EMG?

Is an EMG painful? Yes. There is some discomfort at the time the needle electrodes are inserted. They feel like shots (intramuscular injections), although nothing is injected during an EMG.

What is meant by insertional activity?

Insertional activity is the electrical activity present as the electrode is passed through muscle cells. These are discharge potentials provoked by the disruption of the cell membrane itself. Careful attention is given to the duration and amount of electrical noise after each movement of the needle.

How do you prepare for EMG?

To prepare for an EMG, please do the following:

1. Bathe or shower on the day of the test; wash arms and legs well to remove body oils.
2. Don’t use lotion, bath oils or creams.
3. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, and remember to bring shorts and a short-sleeved or sleeveless shirt.

Why would a doctor order an EMG?

Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic test that measures how well the muscles respond to the electrical signals emitted to specialized nerve cells called motor nerves. A doctor may order an EMG test if a person has symptoms of a muscular or neurological condition, such as numbness or unexplained weakness in the limbs.

What happens if EMG is abnormal?

An abnormal EMG result will present a bizarre pattern, with strange wave shapes. There is electrical activity even while at rest, and the electrical activity (produced by motor neurons) is abnormal during contraction of a muscle. Abnormal results indicate nerve dysfunction, muscle injury, or muscle disorders.

Can I drive home after EMG?

You may need to stay in the outpatient facility or hospital for a short period after your EMG. Your team will apply warm compresses to your injection sites to reduce pain. You will not be able to drive for about 24 hours if you had sedation because you will still be drowsy.

Can an EMG make things worse?

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if: Muscle pain from an EMG test gets worse or you have swelling, tenderness, or pus at any of the needle sites.

What causes increased insertional activity?

When there is muscle and/or nerve irritation, or a metabolic abnormality, the muscle membrane becomes hyper-excitable and results in increased insertional activity.

Do you get EMG results right away?

Your doctor may review the results with you right after the procedure. However, if another healthcare provider ordered the EMG, then you may not know the results until you attend a follow-up appointment with your doctor.

Why is EMG so painful?

Pain is commonly associated with EMG, because the procedure involves the use of needles and electric shock. Not only friends and relatives who have had a previous EMG experience, but also physicians can sometimes discourage patients from undergoing EMG, believing that the test is very painful and of little benefit (1).

What does increased insertional activity mean?

When there is muscle and/or nerve irritation, or a metabolic abnormality, the muscle membrane becomes hyper-excitable and results in increased insertional activity. The discharges are sometimes referred to as complex repetitive discharges. Increased insertional activity: Complex Repetitive Discharges.