EMG

What is EMG?

EMG measures the electrical activity of muscles during both rest and contraction, helping to diagnose conditions affecting muscle tissue or the peripheral nervous system, such as nerve injuries, muscle disorders, or neuromuscular diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or muscular dystrophy.

How is EMG Performed?

In an EMG test, a small needle electrode is inserted directly into the muscle tissue to record the electrical signals produced by muscle fibers. These signals are transmitted to an EMG machine, where they are amplified and displayed as waveforms. Patients may experience mild discomfort or slight pain during the needle insertion, but the test is generally well-tolerated. The procedure takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of muscles being tested. In addition to EMG, a related test called nerve conduction study (NCS) is often performed to evaluate how well electrical signals move through the nerves.

EMG is a critical medical technology for diagnosing neuromuscular conditions. Modern EMG devices are equipped with sensitive sensors and advanced algorithms that provide accurate readings of muscle activity. The results from EMG tests allow clinicians to pinpoint specific areas of nerve damage or muscle dysfunction. Advances in EMG technology, such as wireless and portable EMG systems, have expanded its use, making it easier to conduct the test in various clinical settings, including outpatient clinics and sports medicine.