

Disorders that affect the motor neurons in the spinal cord.

Diseases affecting the connection between the nerve and the muscle.What are the benefits?Īn EMG test may help diagnose or rule out a number of conditions such as: A nerve conduction study (NCS) measures how fast an electrical impulse moves through your nerve. It is used to help determine muscle conditions that may be causing muscle weakness, including muscular dystrophy and nerve disorders. What conditions are diagnosed by using electromyography?Īn EMG can be used to diagnose a wide variety of neuromuscular diseases, motor problems, nerve injuries, or degenerative conditions, such as:įor patients who would like to learn more about electromyography, or for physicians who would like to schedule a test for a patient, please contact the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Neuromuscular Service at (617) 732-8046.An electromyogram (EMG) is a test that measures muscle response or electrical activity in response to a nerve’s stimulation of the muscle. Dress in clothing that enables easy access to the area to be tested.Tell your physician about all the medications and herbal supplements you are taking.


The electrode will detect electrical activity and results will be displayed on a nearby monitor (oscilloscope).Ī nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test is often performed at the same time as an EMG. Once the electrode is in place, the patient will be asked to either contract their muscles or keep their muscles relaxed. How is an EMG performed?Ī very thin needle (electrode) will be inserted through the skin and into the muscle. Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic test that helps detect neuromuscular abnormalities by measuring electrical activity in the muscles.
