Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is It?RisksBefore the TestDay of TestingDuring the TestAfter the TestInterpreting Results
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is It?
Risks
Before the Test
Day of Testing
During the Test
After the Test
Interpreting Results
An electromyography (EMG) test measures electrical activity within the muscles.Although it can be done independently, an EMG is usually performed alongsidenerve conduction studies, which measure how electrical signals within the body travel down the nerves.EMG and nerve conduction studiesmay also be called electrodiagnostic studies, EMG tests, electromyograms, or nerve conduction velocity tests.
This article will review what you can expect during an electromyography test.
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What Is the Purpose of Electromyography?
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend an EMG test:
The EMG test helps healthcare providers identify whether you have a problem with how your muscles respond to nerve impulses. EMGs and nerve conduction studies can help healthcare providers determine whether there is nerve damage or nerve disease.
Risks and Contraindications
Before scheduling an EMG and nerve conduction study, inform your healthcare provider if you have apacemakeror cardiacdefibrillator.You can still undergo testing; however, a provider will take extra steps to protect you (and the device) from injury or damage.
Other considerations to discuss with your provider before EMG testing include the following:
A healthcare provider will do one or more of the following before ordering an EMG or nerve conduction test:
Once EMG tests or nerve conduction studies are ordered, there are other considerations to be aware of:
There is no special preparation for EMG testing; you can exercise, eat, drink, and do other typical daily activities.On the day of your test, wear loose-fitting clothing. Depending on the area being tested, you might be asked to change into a hospital gown. Ensure your skin is clean and free of lotions, creams, and perfumes since they can interfere with EMG testing.
Bring an official form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, and if you have health insurance, bring your insurance card to ensure a smooth check-in.
Location
A trained technologist can do nerve conduction studies with an appropriately trained physician supervising the testing.
EMGs are typically done in a location where an EMG machine can be installed. Many healthcare providers have EMG testing available in their office but also may use a shared outpatient space at a larger healthcare organization, like a hospital.
Testing will occur in an area with a table or bed to recline or lie on and usually takes between 20 and 90 minutes, depending on how many muscles are tested.Typical next steps include:
When the EMG test is complete, the healthcare provider removes the electrodes, which can cause soreness or bruising.This will fade within a few days. There are no long-term side effects associated with EMG testing.
Depending on symptoms and EMG test results, a healthcare provider may recommend additional testing, including:
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Managing Side Effects
Side effects from EMG testing include soreness or bruising where the electrodes were inserted into the muscles.These symptoms generally fade within a few days.
Although there are no long-term side effects associated with EMG testing, if any of these symptoms occur, discuss them with your healthcare provider:
If the healthcare provider performing the test does not review your results with you immediately, the provider will send the results to the ordering provider. In that situation, you may need to schedule a follow-up appointment with the ordering healthcare provider to review EMG test results.
EMG testing can indicate different neuromuscular diseases or disorders, such as:
Your healthcare provider will guide you toward further testing and specialist consultations based on your test results and symptoms.
The American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine recommends testing only a minimal number of muscles needed to identify the clinical concern or determine a diagnosis. There is no standard recommendation for follow-up testing. Your provider will make recommendations based on your health history, symptoms, and progression of any related underlying diseases.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Library of Medicine.Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies.American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine.FAQs before EDX testing.Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Electrodiagnostic testing.American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine.Overview of electrodiagnostic medicine.American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine.Recommended policy for electrodiagnostic medicine.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Library of Medicine.Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies.American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine.FAQs before EDX testing.Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Electrodiagnostic testing.American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine.Overview of electrodiagnostic medicine.American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine.Recommended policy for electrodiagnostic medicine.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Library of Medicine.Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies.American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine.FAQs before EDX testing.Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Electrodiagnostic testing.American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine.Overview of electrodiagnostic medicine.American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine.Recommended policy for electrodiagnostic medicine.
National Library of Medicine.Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies.
American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine.FAQs before EDX testing.
Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Electrodiagnostic testing.
American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine.Overview of electrodiagnostic medicine.
American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine.Recommended policy for electrodiagnostic medicine.
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