WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE ELECTROMYOGRAPHY PROCEDURE?ĭepending on the question, the consultant can look for nerve or nerve root injuries, illnesses of the nerves, or muscle disease. For persons with back or neck pain, this test is very valuable in determining whether a “pinched” or damaged nerve is part of the problem. It can also show if an injured nerve is healing.Electromyography, also called EMG or Electrodiagnostic Medicine, is a medical subspecialty that involves testing of nerves and muscles. Many surgeons will order electrodiagnostic testing before recommending surgery for these conditions.Įlectrodiagnostic testing also can be used to determine the extent of injury to a nerve after an accident and to study the effects of diseases such as diabetes. Cervical or lumbar radiculopathy-pressure on the nerve roots as they exit the spinal column from the neck or lower back.Ulnar nerve entrapment-pressure on the ulnar nerve as it passes behind the elbow.Thoracic outlet syndrome-pressure on the brachial plexus, a cluster of nerves that passes under the collarbone at the shoulder.Carpal tunnel syndrome-pressure on the median nerve as it passes between the wrist bones and under the transverse ligament.These conditions are called 'compressive neuropathies' and include: Your orthopaedist may recommend electrodiagnostic testing for various conditions that can result from pressure on a nerve, particularly in the arm, elbow or wrist. The shock is similar to one received when you touch a doorknob after walking across carpeting. Nerve conduction studies also may be used during treatment to test the progress being made.Īlthough you may initially be startled by the suddenness of the stimulation, it is not painful and most people are comfortable during the testing procedure. By stimulating the nerve at various places, the doctor can determine the specific site of the injury. If the nerve is damaged, however, the signal will be slower and weaker.

In healthy nerves, electrical signals can travel at up to 120 miles per hour. As the current travels down the nerve pathway, the electrodes placed along the way capture the signal and time how fast the signal is traveling. Then the doctor stimulates the nerve with an electric current. The doctor conducting the test will tape wires (electrodes) to the skin in various places along the nerve pathway. NCS are often done along with the EMG to determine if a nerve is functioning normally.

Do nerve conduction tests hurt