EMG Procedures

(Sedation available upon request)

Not all neurological issues originate in the brain or spine. There are millions of neurons and nerve endings throughout your body, and any of them can be subject to inflammation and injury – leading to major problems with your strength, pain, and coordination.

In order to identify the origins and severity of any nerve injury, an EMG is the most helpful test available. An EMG is a form of nerve testing, to measure the function of your nerves and muscles. EMG can diagnose and identify the cause of your pain. EMG nerve testing is actually two tests in one.

NCV Test

The first part of an EMG test is the Nerve Condition Velocity Study (NCS). The NCV/EMG tests the speed of the nerve impulse as it travels down the nerve. This type of nerve conduction testing measures the healthiness of the lining of your nerve. Your nerves conduct an electrical impulse and will explain certain pathology in your body.

Once an EMG doctor knows how quickly your nerve reacts to the test, they can further identify certain facts and rule out possible problems. NCV testing can confirm the actual cause of your painful condition. The NCV is the most helpful test for diagnosing many nerve related, painful conditions and is the most reliable test for carpal tunnel syndrome.

EMG Test

The second part of nerve testing is the Electromyography (EMG). This test evaluates abnormal muscle function, focusing on how your muscles and nerves interface.

If there is nerve irritation, or a disorder that affects the muscle, this test will discover the cause of your pain.

Is there anything I need to do prior to the procedure?

Notify the physician prior to the procedure if you are taking any blood thinners or have any active infections. With proper prior notification, we can either adjust our testing accordingly or reschedule as needed.

To keep things concise and ensure proper health, the following are a few guidelines to ensure that the testing goes smoothly:

Let the technologist know if you have any implanted device such as a pacemaker or a defibrillator.

Shower or bathe with warm water the day of testing.

Do not use lotion, oil, hair spray, gel or powder after you bathe on the day of testing.

Wear loose clothing; shorts are preferred if low back/leg symptoms, disposable shorts are available upon request.

You can eat, drink, and take your medications as normal the day of the testing.

Test requires approximately one hour. If you want oral sedation come in 30 minute early

After the test is completed, you can go about your day normally. There are no lasting effects after undergoing a nerve test. After we have concluded the diagnostic nerve testing, we can help you or your doctor make your life a whole lot better.

More Information

Although the basics are simple on paper, there is a lot of information on nerve testing, and how it can help you. Furthermore, as a reputable and thorough clinic we have certain questions before undergoing a nerve test. For your convenience, you may download our questionnaire below and have it completed prior to your appointment.