Your nerves play a huge function in muscle sensation and activity. Thus, if you experience muscle weakness, pain, tingling, or even numbness, there could be an issue with your nerve transmission. Faheem Abbasi, MD of New Jersey Pain, Spine & Sports Associates, is a highly-skilled specialist who performs electromyography and nerve conduction tests to diagnose various nerve concerns, including herniated discs and carpal tunnel syndrome. To find out more and explore your care options, arrange a consultation with New Jersey EMG specialist Dr. Abbasi right away. Meanwhile, check out this post to learn what you should expect from electromyography testing.
Understanding EMG Testing
Electromyography is a diagnostic test used to determine whether a person suffers from nerve pain or muscular discomfort, including tingling, cramping, weakness, or numbness. Needle electrodes are placed into the muscle being examined during an EMG. The test measures electrical activity in specific muscles when contracted. It can also be performed to determine if there is an electrical activity where it should not be, such as when the muscles are resting.
EMGs are frequently done in conjunction with a nerve conduction study (NCS), wherein electrodes are inserted on the skin and electrical impulses sent to the muscle being evaluated. This test determines how quickly and powerful signals move from one area to another. It could determine if the issue is with your nerve signals instead of the muscle itself.
Getting Ready For An EMG
Before having an EMG, you should avoid utilizing moisturizers. Besides, smoking and caffeinated beverages must be avoided for not less than 2–3 hours before the test.
Notify your specialist about any drugs you use, whether a pacemaker or an implanted gadget in your body. Otherwise, if any further preparations are required due to your present health, observe your physician’s recommendations. Based on the region being checked, you might well be encouraged to wear loose-fitting clothes.
What To Expect Throughout An EMG?
In an EMG, a needle electrode is placed into the muscle evaluated. In most cases, the insertion is painless. The needle’s tip will pick signals from constricted muscles and measure and record them on a device that could generate numerical numbers or audible sounds based on the technology.
Often, an EMG is done together with a nerve conduction test. Therefore, an electrode sticker is put near the muscle and delivers a little electrical current to get the muscle to function. While the signals are being conveyed, you may feel some mild discomfort, but it is usually not painful.
Based on the body region being checked, both tests normally take about an hour to complete.
What Are The Results You Should Expect?
Whenever electrical activity is detected in resting muscles, it could indicate a connective nerve disorder, muscle problem, or injury-related inflammation. If the triggered muscles’ reflexes are aberrant, it can signal various concerns, including pinched nerves, muscular dystrophy, herniated discs, peripheral neuropathy, and more.
Nonetheless, before establishing a diagnosis, your specialist will consider the findings of your EMG along with other considerations.
Now that you understand what occurs before, throughout, and following an EMG, you might be wondering if you should undertake one. Do you suspect you may be suffering from a muscle or nerve disorder? Electromyography is one of the on-site diagnostic procedures offered by Dr. Faheem Abbasi and his expert team at New Jersey Pain, Spine & Sports Associates. Schedule a consultation today through mobile or request online to get started.