The EMG Procedure: What to Expect During Testing
- posted: May 08, 2024
The providers of Rehabilitation Physicians use EMG to diagnose nerve disorders and intervene with treatment. Read about what you can expect from an appointment for EMG testing and contact us to schedule an EMG in Novi, MI, or Howell, MI.
What Does EMG Mean?
Electromyography or EMG is a diagnostic test that helps your doctor measure the health of your nerves and how effectively they control your muscles. The test works by inserting a needle electrode into the muscle and placing electrodes on areas where you are having symptoms. Electrical signals are delivered to measure the activity in the peripheral nervous system, and results are displayed on a monitor for your doctor to read.
Who Needs an EMG?
EMGs are often ordered for patients having symptoms of disorders in the nerves or muscles. The test can help your doctor rule out or diagnose conditions. Symptoms of nerve or muscle disorders can include:
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle cramps
- Numbness or tingling sensations in the limbs
What Can I Expect?
Before your EMG in Novi, you need to shower or bathe to remove excess oils from your skin. Your doctor may recommend avoiding stimulants like nicotine and caffeine before the test as well. When the electrodes are inserted it may cause electrical activity, so we wait a few minutes before asking you to flex or contract the muscle.
When you contract the muscles, the electrodes transmit a tiny electrical current. You may feel a twitch or spasm in the area, but tell the doctor if you are feeling pain because this could affect the results of the test. You may be asked to change positions and contract different muscles while your doctor measures the level of electrical activity. You may have some soreness in the muscles or bruising at the sites of the electrodes, but it should fade within a few days.
Schedule Now
Rehabilitation Physicians is here for you with a compassionate team of providers. If you need an EMG to measure the health of your nerves, contact us for an appointment in Novi or Howell, MI, at (248) 893-3200.
- posted: May 08, 2024
The providers of Rehabilitation Physicians use EMG to diagnose nerve disorders and intervene with treatment. Read about what you can expect from an appointment for EMG testing and contact us to schedule an EMG in Novi, MI, or Howell, MI.
What Does EMG Mean?
Electromyography or EMG is a diagnostic test that helps your doctor measure the health of your nerves and how effectively they control your muscles. The test works by inserting a needle electrode into the muscle and placing electrodes on areas where you are having symptoms. Electrical signals are delivered to measure the activity in the peripheral nervous system, and results are displayed on a monitor for your doctor to read.
Who Needs an EMG?
EMGs are often ordered for patients having symptoms of disorders in the nerves or muscles. The test can help your doctor rule out or diagnose conditions. Symptoms of nerve or muscle disorders can include:
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle cramps
- Numbness or tingling sensations in the limbs
What Can I Expect?
Before your EMG in Novi, you need to shower or bathe to remove excess oils from your skin. Your doctor may recommend avoiding stimulants like nicotine and caffeine before the test as well. When the electrodes are inserted it may cause electrical activity, so we wait a few minutes before asking you to flex or contract the muscle.
When you contract the muscles, the electrodes transmit a tiny electrical current. You may feel a twitch or spasm in the area, but tell the doctor if you are feeling pain because this could affect the results of the test. You may be asked to change positions and contract different muscles while your doctor measures the level of electrical activity. You may have some soreness in the muscles or bruising at the sites of the electrodes, but it should fade within a few days.
Schedule Now
Rehabilitation Physicians is here for you with a compassionate team of providers. If you need an EMG to measure the health of your nerves, contact us for an appointment in Novi or Howell, MI, at (248) 893-3200.