An Electromyogram (EMG) measures the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during contraction. This test is used in diagnosing diseases that damage muscle tissue, nerves, or the junctions between nerve and muscle, and can be helpful in identifying the cause of weakness, paralysis, pain or muscle twitching. These problems may include a nerve root damage/irritation from a prolapsed disc, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Myopathy, plexopathy or Myasthenia. The EMG does not show brain or spinal cord diseases.
If you take blood thinners, such as Warfarin (Coumadin), your doctor may ask you to stop taking this medication before your procedure. If you take Aspirin or Clopidogrel(Plavix), usually you are not required to stop these, but you may notice some extra bruising where the needle sampling was performed which may last for a few days.
This test is performed with a small needle that is inserted to different muscles of the body, that will record the electrical activity of the muscles. The insertion and recording through the needle can cause pain and discomfort, but is usually well tolerated. If you have a tendency to faint, feel light headed during the test, feel significant discomfort or pain during the test or have a needle phobia, please inform the doctor performing the test, to take some precautionary steps during the procedure.
