About electromyography and nerve conduction studies
Neurophysiology is the study of brain, spinal cord nerve and muscle function. With our tests we record and interpret electrical signals from the body to help diagnose disorders.
Electromyography (EMG) records electrical activity from your muscles and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) from your nerves.
Before the test
When you receive your appointment letter, contact us if:
you have a pacemaker
you are taking blood thinning medicine (eg (warfarin, rivaroxaban, apixaban).
Medicines and the test
Continue taking your current medicines unless advised otherwise by your clinician.
If you are taking warfarin, we will need to know your latest blood results (INR values).
If you take pyridostigmine and you have an appointment for a Single Fiber EMG test (SFEMG), stop taking your medicine 24 hours before your test if your referring doctor tells you it is safe to do so.
If you have been referred for an SFEMG, let us know if you have received botulinum toxin treatment in the last 12 months.
On the day of the test
Do not use body creams or lotions on your arms and legs unless this is to treat a skin condition, as this may affect your test results.
Have your meals at normal times.
Bring a list of your medication and any allergies with you.
Wear loose fitting clothing so that your legs, back, arms and shoulders can be easily reached.
The clinician may ask you to remove some jewellery as it might interfere with the test.
If you choose, you can bring someone with you to your appointment.
During the test
The test will be carried out by a doctor or a specialist in nerves called a Clinical Physiologist.
During the appointment we might need to do one or both of the following:
If you are having an electromyography test, we will insert a fine needle into your muscles and you may feel a little pain.
If you are having Nerve Conduction Studies, we will apply small electrical stimulus to your nerves and record the responses with small stickers and pads that will be attached to your skin. This will cause a tingling sensation and some twitching of the muscles of your hand or foot. Most patients do not find this test painful.
After the test
The Nerve Condition Studies have no after effects.
The electromyography may leave some bruising or swelling and your muscles may feel a little sore for a few hours afterwards.
There are no long lasting after affects from either of these tests.
Once the tests are completed you can return to normal activities.
It is uncommon to experience a complication from the electromyography.
Contact your GP if you experience pain at the needle insertion point, or swelling, tenderness, hot/redness or pus.
Call NHS 111 or go to your nearest Emergency department (A&E) if you experience intense pain, especially if the muscle is weak.
Test results
The test results will take a few weeks to be analysed by the physiologist and consultant. You hospital clinician will contact you if something of concern is detected by the test.
Otherwise your hospital clinician or referring doctor will discuss the results with you at your next appointment.
