What type of doctor performs emg

If you are asked to remove clothing, you will be given a gown to wear. A neurologist will locate the muscle s to be studied. The skin will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution. Next, a fine, sterile needle will be inserted into the muscle. A ground electrode will be positioned under your arm or leg. Five or more needle insertions may be necessary for the test.

You may experience slight pain with the insertion of the electrode, but it is usually painless. If the test is painful you must tell your examiner because this can interfere with the results. You will be asked to relax and then perform slight or full-strength muscle contractions. The electrical activity from your working muscle will be measured and displayed on the oscilloscope.

An audio amplifier may also be used so that both the appearance and sound of the electrical potentials can be evaluated. If the recorder is attached to an audio amplifier, you may hear a sound like hail on a tin roof when you contract your muscle.

After the procedure: Some muscle soreness may persist for a day or so following the procedure. Notify your doctor if you experience increasing pain, tenderness, swelling, or pus at the needle insertion sites. Your physician may give you additional or alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on your particular situation. About the procedure NCS Before the procedure: Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and offer you the opportunity to ask any questions that you might have about the procedure.

Generally, no fasting or sedation is required prior to the procedure. Based on your medical condition, your doctor may request other specific preparation. During the procedure: A nerve conduction study may be performed on an outpatient basis or as part of your stay in a hospital. During the needle EMG, the neurologist will assess whether there is any spontaneous electrical activity when the muscle is at rest — activity that isn't present in healthy muscle tissue — and the degree of activity when you slightly contract the muscle.

He or she will give you instructions on resting and contracting a muscle at appropriate times. Depending on what muscles and nerves the neurologist is examining, he or she may ask you to change positions during the exam. If you're concerned about discomfort or pain at any time during the exam, you may want to talk to the neurologist about taking a short break. You may experience some temporary, minor bruising where the needle electrode was inserted into your muscle. This bruising should fade within several days.

If it persists, contact your primary care doctor. The neurologist will interpret the results of your exam and prepare a report. Your primary care doctor, or the doctor who ordered the EMG, will discuss the report with you at a follow-up appointment. Explore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Electromyography EMG is a diagnostic procedure to assess the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them motor neurons. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Daroff RB, et al. Clinical electromyography. However, you may feel sore in the area that was tested. The soreness may last for a few days and can be relieved with an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen.

In rare cases, you may experience tingling, bruising, and swelling at the needle insertion sites. Make sure to tell your doctor if the swelling or pain becomes worse. Your doctor may review the results with you right after the procedure.

However, if another healthcare provider ordered the EMG, then you may not know the results until you attend a follow-up appointment with your doctor. If your EMG shows abnormal electrical activity when a muscle contracts, then you may have a herniated disc or a nerve disorder, such as ALS or carpal tunnel syndrome. Depending on your results, your doctor will talk to you about any additional tests or treatments that might be needed.

A nerve conduction velocity NCV test is used to assess nerve damage and dysfunction. The radial nerve runs down the underside of the arm and controls movement of the triceps the muscle located at the back of the upper arm.

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