Such symptoms may include:ĮMG is a low-risk procedure, and complications are rare. Your doctor may order electromyography if you have signs or symptoms that may indicate a nerve or muscle disorder. With nerve conduction studies, you will be able to feel. An EMG uses tiny devices called electrodes to translate these signals into graphs, sounds or numerical values that are then interpreted by a specialist.ĭuring a needle EMG, a needle electrode inserted directly into a muscle records the electrical activity in that muscle.Ī nerve conduction study, another part of an EMG, uses electrode stickers applied to the skin (surface electrodes) to measure the speed and strength of signals traveling between two or more points. During an EMG test, you may feel a quick, sharp pain when the needle electrode is put into a muscle.
Motor neurons transmit electrical signals that cause muscles to contract. EMG results can reveal nerve dysfunction, muscle dysfunction or problems with nerve-to-muscle signal transmission. The tests can typically be done in less than an hour. NCS uses electrode stickers applied to the. Electromyography (EMG) Nerve conduction studies (NCS) These tests are usually administered by a neurologist (a doctor who specializes in the study of the nerves) or a physiatrist (a physical medicine and rehabilitation, or PM&R, specialist). Electromyography, also known as EMG, is a diagnostic procedure to assess the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them (motor neurons). NCS and EMG tests are electrodiagnostic procedures that measure the electrical activity of muscles and nerves.