Patient Services -  EMG and Nerve Conduction Studies
When muscles are active, they produce an electrical current that is usually proportionate to the level of muscle activity. An electromyogram (EMG) is a test used to record the electrical activity of muscles.

EMGs can be used to detect abnormal electrical activity of muscle that can occur in many diseases and conditions such as muscular dystrophy, inflammation of muscles, pinched nerves, peripheral nerve damage (damage to nerves in the arms and legs), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), myasthenia gravis, disc herniation, and others.

An EMG is often performed when patients have unexplained muscle weakness. The EMG helps to distinguish between:
     a)  muscle conditions in which the problem begins in the muscle

     b)  muscle weakness due to nerve disorders.

The EMG can also be used to detect true weakness, as opposed to weakness from reduced use because of pain or lack of motivation. EMGs can also be used to isolate the level of nerve irritation or injury.

A Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) is used to detect nerve conditions. In an NCS, the nerve is electrically stimulated by one electrode while other electrodes detect the electrical impulse "down stream" from the first electrode. The NCs test is usually done with surface patch electrodes similar to those used for an EKG (electrocardiogram).