EMG Specialist

What is an EMG?

Electromyography (EMG) is an electrodiagnostic procedure that measures muscle and nerve function. During the procedure, your provider at Houston Neurological Institute inserts a thin needle with an electrode into your muscle to measure activity.

Houston Neurological Institute performs EMGs to diagnose diseases that affect the peripheral nervous system, such as neuropathy (damage or dysfunction of peripheral nerves), diabetic neuropathy, damage from herniated discs, myopathy (a disease that affects muscle control), or any other muscle disease.

These conditions may cause pain, weakness, tingling, or burning in the arms or legs. Carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical radiculopathy, and lumbar radiculopathy are examples of peripheral nerve diseases that cause these symptoms. 

Houston Neurological Institute performs EMGs to confirm or rule out these diseases.

How do I prepare for an EMG?

Your provider at Houston Neurological Institute gives you instructions on how to prepare for your EMG. 

Your provider may request you bathe prior to your EMG, but avoid applying any lotions or creams to your skin. You should also wear comfortable clothing.

If you take a blood thinner, be sure to let your provider know before your EMG. These medications may increase the risk of bleeding during EMG. 

What happens during an EMG?

Typically, an EMG is a two-part test that includes a nerve conduction study (NCS) and a needle electrode examination (NEE).

NCS

For the NCS, your provider places small electrodes on your skin to measure nerve function. Then, they administer mild electrical stimulation to the nerve to test your nerve’s ability to carry electrical signals. 

NEE

For the NEE, your provider inserts a thin needle into your muscle. You may feel a slight pinch during the insertion of the needle. The NEE only records muscle activity; there’s no stimulation of the muscle. 

You sit or lie down during the EMG, and your provider may repeat the NCS and NEE to assess nerve and muscle activity in different areas of your body. 

What happens after an EMG?

You may have some muscle soreness following your EMG. Your provider at Houston Neurological Institute reviews the data collected during your EMG and shares the results with you a few days after the procedure. 

The results of your EMG help determine the cause of your symptoms so you get the most appropriate treatment.

An EMG may help find the root cause of your radiating pain sensations. To learn more, call Houston Neurological Institute or schedule an appointment online today.