What is EMG?

Electromyography (EMG) is an examination of the activity and function of the muscles and peripheral nerves. This examination will provide your doctor with important information to determine if you have a muscle and/or nerve problem. The EMG examination consists of one or more of the following: Nerve conduction examination (NCS), a needle examination, and a consultation with a neuromuscular physician. Most EMG examinations take an average of about 2 hours.

Before the examination
Please check in 15 to 30 minutes before your examination. There is no special preparation needed before the exam. You will be given an Information Sheet, Questionnaire, and a Symptom Chart to fill out when you arrive. Also, you may review our EMG Patient Information Booklet located in our waiting room before your exam.

Please notify EMG personnel if you are taking blood-thinning medications (such as warfarin or Coumadin), have a chronic infection, or wear a pacemaker.

Nerve Conduction examination (NCS):
For these exams, small, flat electrodes are taped to the skin over a muscle or nerve. Nerves are then stimulated with small electric shocks from a probe placed against the skin. These shocks produced an electrical sensation, which is not usually painful. The amount of electricity delivered by each shock is small, safe, and only lasts a fraction of a second.

Needle Examination:
For these exams, a thin, sterile, and disposable needle electrode is inserted through the skin, into the muscle to be examined. There may be some discomfort with the insertion of the needle.

The needle is moved slightly within the muscle while the muscle is relaxed and a reading is taken. You will also be asked to move the muscle and readings will be taken from the muscle as it "works."

The muscle may be slightly sore for a day or two after these exams and occasional bruising occurs. There is very minimal risk of infection from this exam.

After the exam:
Resume your normal activities.

If you are scheduled to see your Duke doctor the same day, your EMG report will be available through the Duke Information System for your doctor to view.

The doctor who ordered your EMG exam will explain your results with you.

If you have any ill effects from these exams, please call (919) 684-5422.