The test is also used to measure pressure in the spinal fluid. Cerebrospinal fluid acts as a cushion, protecting the brain and spine from injury.
EMG TEST PAINFUL SERIES
The electrodes are connected by wires to an amplifier and the recording machine which converts the electrical signals into a series of wavy lines which are drawn onto a moving piece of graph paper.Ĭerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
EMG TEST PAINFUL SKIN
The nerve is stimulated, usually with surface electrodes, which are patch-like electrodes (similar to those used for ECG) placed on the skin over the nerve at various locations.One electrode stimulates the nerve with a very mild electrical impulse. Normal body temperature must be maintained (low body temperature slows nerve conduction). It can be used to diagnose disorders of the peripheral nerves and muscles. Nerve conduction studies are mainly used for the evaluation of paresthesias (numbness, tingling, burning) and/or weakness of the arms and legs.
EMG TEST PAINFUL PROFESSIONAL
A trained medical professional observes the electrical activity while inserting the electrode.Ī nerve conduction study (NCS) is a test commonly used to evaluate the function, especially the ability of electrical conduction, of the motor and sensory nerves of the human body. To perform intramuscular EMG, a needle electrode is inserted through the skin into the muscle tissue.You may be asked to contract the muscle.The electrical activity detected by this electrode is displayed on an oscilloscope.No special preparation is usually necessary. In many instances, an EMG can provide critical diagnostic information that can not be obtained in any other way.Īlthough there is some discomfort associated with the procedure, an EMG is usually done on an outpatient basis. Peripheral neuropathy caused by such conditions as diabetes, pernicious anemia and heavy metal toxicity.Neuromuscular diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), poliomyelitis, myasthenia gravis and muscular dystrophy.Nerve compression from carpal tunnel syndrome.Nerve damage from compression by a disk in the neck or the back.
Each muscle fiber that contracts will produce an action potential and the size of the muscle fiber affects the rate (how frequently an action potential occurs) and size (amplitude) of the action potential(s).Īn EMG may be used to evaluate a variety of problems, including the following:.The presence, size, and shape of the wave form produced on the oscilloscope (the action potential) provide information about the ability of the muscle to respond to nervous stimulation.Electromyogram (EMG) Nerve Conduction Study(NCS) Electroencephalogram (EEG) Spinal Tap/ Lumbar PunctureĪn EMG, used in conjunction with a neurological examination, helps establish a diagnosis and the extent of a problem by measuring the electrical activity of a muscle in response to stimulation.Īn EMG is done by inserting electrodes in fine needles into the muscles being tested, and by placing electrodes on the skin over peripheral nerves. These diagnostic procedures will be done in office by our neurologists.