This topic will help you learn about the electromyography (EMG) test and how to prepare for it.
What is an EMG procedure?
It is a diagnostic test used to help diagnose injuries and conditions that affect your muscles and the nerves that control them, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and muscular dystrophy. This test is often used together with a nerve conduction study.
When is an EMG performed?
An EMG can help diagnose many injuries or diseases that affect motor nerves and muscles, and it can help determine the presence, location, and extent of these injuries and diseases.
EMG helps in diagnosing the following:
- Problems that affect the peripheral nerves, such as peripheral neuropathy and nerve compression syndromes like
- Problems that affect the nerve roots exiting the spine, such as nerve compression, cervical radiculopathy (neck), or .
- Muscle disorders (myopathies), such as muscular dystrophy, myositis, and dermatomyositis.
- Conditions that affect the motor nerve cells in the brain or spinal cord, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or .
- Conditions that affect the connection between your nerves and muscles, such as myasthenia gravis.
How do you prepare for an EMG?
- Avoid applying cream, lotion, or perfume on your skin. Creams and lotions can affect the accuracy of the test.
- Tell the healthcare provider performing the EMG if you are taking a blood thinner, but do not stop taking the medication without consulting the prescribing provider.
- Inform your provider if you have a pacemaker or any other electrical medical device.
- In some cases, your doctor may ask you not to smoke cigarettes or drink caffeinated beverages, such as coffee or tea, for two to three hours before the test, as these substances may interfere with the results.
