Electromyography (EMG) is the only test that can directly measure the health of your nerves. The test is performed by a physician with specialized training, with the help of an EMG technician. The test has two parts:
Nerve conduction studies are done by placing electrodes on your skin, which give a brief electrical pulse to a nerve. Ths gives a sensation similar to rubbing your feet on the carpet and getting a shock from static electricity on a dry day). The patient generally gets used to the sensation very quickly. Several brief pulses of varying intensity are given. Measurements can then be made of how fast and how well a nerve sends messages. Many nerves in the body may be tested in this way.
The needle examination involves inserting a thin needle electrode into a muscle. No shocks are given during this part of the testing, since the needle detects electrical activity produced by the muscle. This electrical activity is displayed on a screen and played over a loudspeaker. The physician can both see and hear this activity.
The time required to complete an EMG examination varies. It generally takes at least 60 to 90 minutes, but you should plan to be there at least 2-3 hours. You do not need to have a driver, but if you do, they will probably want to drop you off and pick you up later.
**Please call (309) 664-2683 to cancel or reschedule. We save 1 hour for your appointment and can use your spot for another patient if you are unable to attend.
The Electromyography examination is safe and serious complications are almost non-existent. Minor complications, such as local bruising or discomfort, are temporary, and can be treated by icing any tender areas. The needles used are sterile and disposable, and infection has not been reported (to our knowledge). Rarely, needle studies are performed near the chest that could cause a pneumothorax (lung puncture), though, in practice, this is essentially unheard of.
Though the needle used is very small, there is still the sting of a needle in your muscle. The shocks are also uncomfortable, though not sever. Measures are taken to minimize the discomfort. Most patients tolerate the test well, but tolerance varies greatly – often a teenage girl will laugh and say “that was nothing”. Yet, sometimes a large man will become very upset and annoyed.
If you have a cardiac pacemaker, electrical stimulator, or take a blood thinner, please notify the technologist prior to beginning the examination. You do not need to obtain prior clearance from your cardiologist.
Please do not use lotion on your skin immediately prior to the exam as this makes it difficult for the electrodes to stick to the skin. You do not have to stop any medications.
Dr. Carmichael completed a four year residency program in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Mayo Clinic where he learned EMG. He is board certified in Electrodiagnostic Medicine and in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. The Mayo Clinic’s EMG laboratory is the largest EMG laboratory in the world and the source of the world’s most vigorous standards for nerve testing. Training in EMG requires at least a six month, full-time commitment, and can only be performed as part of residency program in Neurology or physical medicine & rehabilitation.
please call the nurse for Dr. Carmichael at 309-662-6317.
Related posts
Add comment
Cancel reply to comment