

Whilst we try to keep to appointment times, very occasionally there can be a delay. Your appointment with the consultant will last about an hour. Graphy – the way the results are presented.Electro – the electrical impulses we are measuring.

Together they are often called an EMG test and may include one or both of the above techniques. These tests help us to work out how well your child’s nerves and muscles are working. The nerve conduction test measures the speed at which the messages travel along a nerve. The EMG (electromyography) records the electrical messages that muscles produce. What conditions are diagnosed by using electromyography?Īn EMG can be used to diagnose a wide variety of neuromuscular diseases, motor problems, nerve injuries, or degenerative conditions, such as:įor patients who would like to learn more about electromyography, or for physicians who would like to schedule a test for a patient, please contact the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Neuromuscular Service at (617) 732-8046.This is a routine test performed in specialist hospitals. Dress in clothing that enables easy access to the area to be tested.Tell your physician about all the medications and herbal supplements you are taking.Notify your physician if you have a pacemaker.Fasting is usually not required, but, in some cases, patients will be asked to refrain from smoking cigarettes or drinking caffeinated beverages for up to two to three hours before the test.Avoid using any creams or lotions on the day of the test.Typically, not a lot of preparation is necessary for an EMG. An NCV helps to differentiate a nerve disorder from a muscle disorder. The electrode will detect electrical activity and results will be displayed on a nearby monitor (oscilloscope).Ī nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test is often performed at the same time as an EMG. Once the electrode is in place, the patient will be asked to either contract their muscles or keep their muscles relaxed. How is an EMG performed?Ī very thin needle (electrode) will be inserted through the skin and into the muscle. Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic test that helps detect neuromuscular abnormalities by measuring electrical activity in the muscles.
