EMG (Electromyography)
Useful only if you have pain, tingling, weakness, or numbness in your arm or leg, that is not getting better
It measures how much current it can conduct (amplitude) and whether there is a delay in the nerves
It is done by placing small needles into the muscles. You will be given instructions on resting and contracting different muscles at certain times
It can be used to differentiate nerve degeneration (neuropathy) from nerve root compression at the spine. It can also see if the problem (of leg pain/ tingling/ numbness/ weakness) is coming from the brain / upper spine or the leg or the muscle.
There are other nerve tests such as nerve conduction study (NCS) but these should not be done without an EMG, as they may lead to wrong diagnosis.
Avoid lotion/ oil before test. Risk include some discomfort/ pain, bruising. As with any procedures involving a needle, bleeding and infection can occur. Let them know if you are on a blood thinner, or have an electrical device or take the medicine Mestinon (pyridostigmine)
Low amplitude with high number of turns in muscle problem (middle) and opposite in nerve problem (right).
https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1350104/FULLTEXT01.pdf
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