Evaluate Muscle Function: EMG assesses the electrical activity in muscles to determine how well they are functioning.
Identify Muscle Abnormalities: EMG can detect various muscle conditions, including inflammation, damage, or degeneration.
Assess Nerve-Muscle Interaction: By examining how nerves transmit signals to muscles, EMG can identify potential nerve or neuromuscular junction issues.
Preparation: Ensure their skin is clean and dry before the test.
Procedure: A healthcare professional inserts fine needle electrodes into the muscles being tested. These electrodes measure electrical activity within the muscles.
Testing Muscle at Rest and During Contraction: The test evaluates muscle activity both at rest and during voluntary muscle contractions.
Recording and Interpretation: The electrical activity is recorded and displayed on a monitor. A healthcare professional interprets the results to assess muscle and nerve health.
Accurate Diagnosis: EMG provides precise information about muscle and nerve function, aiding in the diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders.
In-depth Analysis: EMG can differentiate between nerve and muscle disorders, providing insight into the underlying cause of symptoms.
Guiding Treatment: The test results help guide treatment decisions and monitor the effectiveness of interventions.
Muscle Disorders: Such as muscular dystrophy, polymyositis, and myopathies.
Nerve Disorders: Such as peripheral neuropathy, radiculopathy, and nerve entrapment syndromes.
Motor Neuron Disorders: Such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy.
Neuromuscular Junction Disorders: Such as myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome.
Radiculopathies
Electromyography is a valuable diagnostic tool that offers insight into muscle and nerve health, helping healthcare professionals accurately diagnose neuromuscular disorders and develop appropriate treatment plans. If you have been referred for an EMG test, discuss with your healthcare provider what to expect and how the results will influence your care.
