Neurology Department
Electromyography (EMG) & Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)
What is an EMG?
EMG, also known as Electromyography, is a technique for evaluating and recording the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles. It detects the electrical potential generated by muscle cells when these cells are electrically or neurologically activated. The signal can be analyzed to detect medical abnormalities, activation level, or recruitment order or to analyze the biomechanics of human movement. Part of the study may involve small needles that are inserted into the muscle.
What is NCS?
NCS, known as Nerve Conduction Studies is a medical diagnostic test commonly used to evaluate the function, especially the ability of electrical conduction, of the motor and sensory nerves of the human body.
What is this test used for?
• NCS along with EMG measure nerves and muscle function, and may be indicated when there is pain in the limbs, weakness from spinal nerve compression, or concern about some other neurologic injury or disorder. • NCS are mainly used for evaluation of paresthesias (numbness, tingling, burning) and or weakness of the arm and legs.
Common disorder that can be diagnosed: • • • •
Carpal tunnel syndrome Guillain-Barre syndrome Peripheral neuropathy Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Ulnar neuropathy • Neuromuscular junction diseases • Myopathies
How to prepare for this test? • Tell the physician or technician performing the EMG/NCS if you are taking Aspirin, blood thinners like Coumadin or have a pacemaker. • Take a shower or bath on the day of the test, wash arms and legs well to remove body oils. • Do not use body lotion, bath oils, or cream on the day of the test. • Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes (short sleeves, shorts). Otherwise there are no special preparations for this test and there is no recovery from this test.
What to expect? • NCS Testing involves stimulating a nerve with a brief, small electrical impulse to the skin surface and recording the response from a muscle or another portion of the nerve via small metal disc that are placed on the skin.
• EMG part of the study may involve small needles that are inserted into the muscle. You may experience some discomfort during the tests. EMG/NCS testing generally takes between 30 and 60 minutes depending upon the condition being tested and the findings of the study.
What can you expect after the test? • If you are a little sore after the study, you may wish to ice down the areas where the EMG needle was inserted. • Drink plenty of fluids and resume your normal schedule and activities. • You can take some Tylenol for any mild residual discomfort. • Your doctor should be able to give you a preliminary verbal report of your results. A formal report will be sent to your referring physician • Normal activities can be resumed immediately after the test. • Your EMG/NCS reports will be kept on patient file on the system.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about this test For inquiry call the EMG Department/Unit at: 012-650 9000 Ext. 4711/4014 For appointment call center Ext. 9007