Electromyography & Nerve Conduction Studies

Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) are often performed together to assess the health of your nerves and muscles. EMG measures the electrical activity within your muscles using thin needles (electrodes) inserted into the muscle. This helps diagnose muscle disorders and nerve problems affecting muscle control. NCS measures how fast electrical signals travel through your nerves. Small electrodes are placed on your skin, and a mild electrical stimulation is applied to the nerve. This measures the speed of nerve impulses and helps identify nerve damage. 

How to Prepare:

• Bathe or shower before the test: Clean skin helps the electrodes adhere properly. Avoid applying lotions, oils, or creams to the area being tested.
  
• Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking: Some medications, particularly blood thinners, can affect the results. It's important to inform your doctor about all medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
  
• Inform your doctor about any medical conditions: Certain medical conditions may require special precautions. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have a pacemaker or other implanted medical device, a bleeding disorder, or any skin infections.
  
• Wear comfortable clothing: Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area being tested.

What to Expect?

EMG Procedure: For the EMG, thin needles (electrodes) will be inserted into specific muscles. You may feel a brief, mild discomfort when the needles are inserted. You will be asked to contract and relax the muscles, and the electrical activity will be recorded.

NCS Procedure: During the NCS, small electrodes will be placed on your skin over the nerves being studied. You may feel a brief, mild electrical stimulation. This sensation is often described as a tingling or tapping feeling. The test measures how quickly the electrical signal travels along the nerve.

The entire EMG and NCS procedure usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour, although this can vary depending on the specific nerves and muscles being tested.

Why are EMG & NCS Important?

EMG and NCS are important because they provide valuable information about the function of your nerves and muscles, which is crucial for diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions, including:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Herniated disc

• Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage)

• Muscle disorders (e.g., muscular dystrophy)

• Myasthenia gravis

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

What Comes Next?

After your EMG and NCS, the electrodes and needles are removed, and you can typically resume normal activities, though some mild soreness or bruising at needle sites is possible. The neurologist will analyze the test results, which takes time. You'll then have a follow-up appointment to discuss the findings, including any abnormalities and their implications for your diagnosis. Next steps might include no further action, additional testing (like imaging or blood work), treatment recommendations (medication, therapy, etc.), or follow-up appointments to monitor progress. Your neurologist will use the EMG/NCS results along with your medical history and other tests to create a complete picture and develop the best treatment plan for you. Ask your neurologist any questions you have about the results or treatment.

At Knight Neurology, we strive to provide compassionate and comprehensive care. If you have any questions or concerns about your EMG and NCS, please don't hesitate to ask. Our team is here to support you every step of the way. Call us at (321) 345-6331 or schedule an appointment online today.