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| ELECTROMYOGRAPHY TEST |
The human body has more than 600 voluntary muscles controlled by the brain. When effort is required, the brain uses the nerves to send an electrical signal to the muscles to contract. Our daily actions are carried out thanks to this remarkable mechanism.
An EMG is a test that can diagnose problems with muscles and nerves, such as a stuck nerve in the wrist, neck or lower back. The electrical activity of muscles at rest and during their contraction is measured as well as the speed of the electrical signals sent by the nerves.
The electromyogram examination is for people who have symptoms of problems with nerves or muscles, such as:
* Numbness
* Tingling
*Weakness
The electromyogram examination is not offered to people who have a pacemaker.
How to get this exam?
You must have a request from your doctor to get an appointment and take this exam.
The EMG exam is offered by the Neurophysiology laboratory.
Preparation for the exam
Eat and take your medicine as usual.
Please make sure that the skin where the test will take place is clean and dry before the exam. Do not apply oily lotion or oil to the skin before the exam.
Wear short-sleeved clothing if your symptoms are in the arms or hands.
If your symptoms are in the legs, bring a pair of short pants or loose pants.
Process of the meeting
The EMG exam is done in two parts. The first part is a nerve conduction test performed by the neurophysiologist. The second part is a consultation with the neurologist.
For the conduction test, the neurophysiologist attaches electrodes to your skin near the nerve to be examined. Then, the nerve is stimulated in several places with low intensity electrical impulses. The data collected by the electrodes is transmitted to a computer.
The conduction test lasts 30 to 40 minutes.
The second part of test with the neurophysiologist may include a needle EMG examination, if necessary.
For the needle test, the neurophysiologist inserts an electrode similar to an acupuncture needle into the muscle. The electrode records the electrical activity of the muscle and transmits the data to a computer. There may be multiple insertions if there are multiple muscles to be studied.
The needle test can take 15 to 20 minutes.
Both tests are not painful, but can be unpleasant. However, they are well tolerated by most patients and will not affect your daily activities.
Results of your exam
The results of your examination will be sent to the doctor who referred you within 10 to 15 working days.
You can request a preliminary written report from the Neurophysiologist.
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