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Nerve Conduction and Electromyograph (EMG)

Neurophysiology

This test provides an object assessment and usually involves two things. Firstly, nerve conduction studies, electrical pulses to stimulate different nerves to investigate motor and sensory nerve function. Secondly, the use fine concentric needle electrodes put into muscles to test muscle function. This is the EMG (electromyography) part.

The minimum time is 20 minutes but can last up to 45 minutes depending upon the investigation requested and modalities required.

The equipment used is extensively tested and is safe. Some precautions need to be taken with certain patients who have heart pacemakers or are on blood thinning drugs such as warfarin.

Evaluation of disorders

EMG may be used to evaluate many problems/disorders including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Neuromuscular diseases, such as myasthenia gravis
  • Motor problems, such as involuntary muscle twitching
  • Nerve compression or injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Nerve root injury, such as sciatica
  • Muscle degeneration, such as muscular dystrophy

Go to the Neurophysiology overview page