Electromyography
What is Electromyography?
Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure that examines the health condition of muscles, motor neurons, and nerve cells that control the muscles. These motor neurons transmit electrical signals due to which muscles contract and relax. The work of an EMG is to translate these signals into graphs or numbers, thus helping doctors to perform a diagnosis.
Doctors usually recommend an EMG when you are showing symptoms of a muscle or nerve disorder. EMG results may help doctors in determining muscle disorders, nerve disorders, and disorders that influence the connection between nerves and muscles.
Electromyography may also be referred to as an Electrodiagnostic exam by some doctors.
Doctors at Yashoda Hospital & Research Centre, Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad, are dedicated to providing you with the best care and support. They always impart valuable information that may be helpful in knowing about various illnesses. This article will help you in knowing more about Electromyography.
Why does the doctor perform Electromyography?
Doctors may perform an EMG in case you have symptoms that may indicate a nerve or muscle disorder. Some of the symptoms that may make doctors perform an EMG include:
- Tingling.
- Numbness.
- Weakness in the muscle.
- Muscle pain or Cramping.
- Paralysis.
- Involuntary muscle twitching (or tics).
Results of an EMG help the doctor in determining the underlying cause of these symptoms. The possible causes may include:
- Disorders in the muscle, such as muscular dystrophy.
- Disorders that affect the ability of the motor neuron to send electrical signals to the muscle, such as myasthenia gravis.
- Radiculopathies.
- Disorders in the peripheral nerve that influence the nerves outside the spinal cord, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Disorders in the nerves, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
What are the preparations required for Electromyography?
Do inform the doctor about any prescribed medications you may be taking. In case you have a bleeding disorder, pacemaker, or implantable defibrillator, it is important to inform the doctor. The doctor may not recommend you to have an EMG if you have any of these medical conditions or devices.
- You must do the following if you are able to have an EMG:
- You should avoid smoking for a minimum of three hours before the procedure.
- You may bathe or have a shower to remove any oils from the skin and do not apply any lotions or creams after washing.
- You must wear comfortable clothing that does not obstruct the area that your doctor will be inspecting. You may be asked to wear a hospital gown before the procedure.
What is the diagnostic procedure of Electromyography?
Doctors may ask you to sit in a reclined chair or lie down on an examination table. During the procedure, you may also be asked to move into different positions.
An EMG test has two components. The first component is the nerve conduction study and the second component is needle EMG. In the first part of the procedure small sensors, known as surface electrodes, are placed on the skin to evaluate the ability of the motor neurons to send electrical signals. These sensors are generally placed in the portion where you are experiencing symptoms . The electrodes will assess how well the motor neurons communicate with the muscles. After the test is complete, the electrodes will be removed from the skin.
Needle EMG is the second part of the procedure in which sensors are used to assess electrical signals. The sensors, known as needle electrodes, are directly inserted into the muscle tissue to assess muscle activity when at rest and when contracted.
In Needle EMG, the affected area will be cleaned first by the doctor with an antiseptic. The doctor will then insert electrodes into the muscle tissue using a needle. You may have discomfort or pain while the needle is being inserted. The electrical activity of the muscles will be assessed by the needle electrodes when the muscles contract and when they are at rest. After the test is over, the electrodes will be removed.
The electrodes will deliver tiny electrical signals to the nerves during both parts of the EMG procedure. The signals are translated into numerical values or graphs by a computer that is used by the doctor in diagnosis. The entire procedure may take between 30 to 60 minutes.
What are the risks of Electromyography?
The risks of an EMG are low. You may feel sore in the portion that was tested. The soreness may continue for a few days and can be relieved through any pain reliever, such as ibuprofen.
In rare cases, you may experience bruising, tingling, and swelling at the needle insertion sites. Do consult the doctor in case the swelling or pain worsens.
What do your Electromyography results mean?
In case your EMG shows any electrical activity in a resting muscle, you may have the following:
- A muscle disorder.
- A disorder that affects the nerves connecting to the muscle.
- Inflammation caused by an injury.
You may have a herniated disc or a nerve disorder, such as ALS or carpal tunnel syndrome in case the EMG shows abnormal electrical activity when a muscle contracts.
Doctors may recommend or suggest additional tests or treatments depending on the results.
Looking for specialists or doctors for Electromyography in Delhi NCR?
The Centre for Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Neurointervention at Yashoda Hospital & Research Centre, Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad, has a highly experienced team of experts consisting of neurosurgeons, neurologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, neuroradiologists, and paediatricians who are highly trained and give their best to ensure you get the best care and support throughout the treatment.
Dr. Atul Gupta has an experience of more than 29 years and is one of the senior doctors at Yashoda Hospital & Research Centre. He has pursued all his medical degrees, M. B. B. S. to M. Ch. in neurosurgery, from the well-known King George’s Medical College, Lucknow. He is highly trained in all the facets of neurosurgery- be it cranial, spinal, or peripheral nerves. He has performed more than 2000 surgeries in his long career.
Dr. Puneet Malik is a consultant neurosurgeon with an experience of more than 10 years. He has performed a large number of complex brain and spinal cord surgeries. He has pursued his M. B. B. S. from Governmental Medical College, Coimbatore, and M. S. in General Surgery from Sawai Man Singh Medical College & Hospital, Jaipur. He has completed his M.Ch. in neurosurgery from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, and went on to qualify for his M.R.C.S. (A) from the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Glasgow.
He is highly skilled with specialization in brain surgery, clot removal, aneurysm repair, tumor removal, brain bleed stoppage, trauma repair, shunt insertion or revision, stereotactic radiosurgery, endovascular procedures, carotid endarterectomy, coil embolization, peripheral nerve surgery, carpal tunnel release, spine surgery, discectomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion, vertebroplasty & kyphoplasty as well as spine stabilization and reconstruction.
Dr. Neeraj Agarwal is a neurologist who has received his training under eminent professors and teachers. He has an experience of more than 20 years in the field of medicine with more than 12 years of experience in neurology.
Consult these doctors and book an appointment now. Visit our official website- www.yashodahealthcare.com