FAQs

Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) are used to indicate how well your nerves and muscles are working. Nerve conduction studies measure both the speed and the size of the electrical signals that are being transmitted by specific nerves in your body. The EMG test procedure measures the electrical activity within the muscles that those specific nerves supply signals to.

These tests can determine whether ongoing nerve injury or muscle damage is contributing to your current symptoms. They provide objective documentation for many suspected diagnoses such as carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, tarsal tunnel syndrome, cervical radiculopathy, or lumbar radiculopathy and also help to rule out superimposed conditions that can contribute to your primary complaints.

There is no special preparation needed, except that you should not apply any lotions or oils to your skin on the day of your test and wear loose fitting clothing which allows easy access to your extremities and spine. For example, if there is an examination of your right leg, the testing will require easy access from the mid-thigh down to the foot, so wearing skinny jeans will not be helpful to the test being done easily.  Wearing baggy slacks that can be simply pulled up beyond the mid-thigh would be perfect and similar for examining the upper extremities.  

If you have a pacemaker or have had a mastectomy, please notify the doctor before beginning the tests. The tests can be still be done, but modifications will be made, if you wish, you may also take pain medication before the tests and you are encouraged to continue your usual medications as prescribed because they will not affect the test results. Other than a mild tenderness where the needles are placed, there are no significant complications expected.

A nerve conduction velocity test (NCV) is a non-invasive procedure that tests for nerve injury or illness by determining the conduction and amplitude of the nerve signal in the affected area(s) of the body.

The test is generally not painful. There might be slight skin discomfort at the needle insertion points. It should not be painful. Some people will experience muscle soreness for a few days.