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An electromyogram (EMG) measures electrical activity in muscles to diagnose muscle weakness or nerve problems. It’s usually done with a nerve conduction test, and electrodes are inserted into the muscle to take readings. The test can be slightly painful, but it’s covered by insurance and can diagnose a range of conditions.
An electromyogram (EMG) is a medical test that is performed to measure the electrical activity in muscles at rest and during contracture. The goal of this diagnostic test is to learn more about the cause of a patient’s muscle weakness or other muscle problems and to distinguish between problems that originate in the muscles and problems that originate in the nerves. EMGs can be performed at a doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital using a machine known as an electromyograph, and are outpatient procedures.
Usually, electromyogram and nerve conduction tests are done at the same time. The electromyogram studies the electrical impulses in the muscles, while a nerve conduction test studies the efficiency of the nerves when it comes to conducting electrical impulses. By looking at both findings, a doctor can determine whether nerves or muscles are responsible for a patient’s medical problem and determine the severity of the patient’s condition.
In an EMG, electrodes are inserted into the muscle and a reading is taken while the muscle is at rest before the patient is asked to contract the muscle so a second reading can be taken. Some EMGs are done with surface electrodes, rather than needles, if a doctor feels that needles would be invasive or unnecessary. The nerve conduction test uses surface electrodes, with one electrode emitting a mild electrical impulse, while the others read that impulse as it is conducted by the nerves.
This test can be slightly painful, as it hurts to have the needles inserted. If only surface electrodes are used, the patient should experience no pain or discomfort. The results can be read on a printout which provides the information gleaned from the electomy machine used to conduct the test in an easy to understand and read format. Once the test concludes, the patient can usually leave immediately, unless further tests are scheduled or a doctor wants to discuss the results with the patient.
The combination of electromyography and nerve conduction studies can be used to diagnose or rule out a large group of conditions related to the nervous system and muscles. Information from these tests can also be used to monitor the progress of degenerative conditions or to determine how well a patient is responding to medications. Costs for an EMG vary depending on the clinic performing the procedure, but the test is usually covered by insurance because it is a necessary diagnostic tool.
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