
Electromyography

EMG
Description
"Electromyography" (EMG) test evaluates how well your muscles and nerves work together by measuring electrical activity during movement and rest. Doctors often recommend this test for symptoms like tingling, weakness, or numbness. It may involve surface electrodes or small needle electrodes for more detailed analysis. Abnormal results can reveal nerve compression, muscular dystrophy, or other neuromuscular disorders. EMG results help guide treatment decisions such as physical therapy, medication, or follow-up testing to manage nerve or muscle function effectively.
Category
Musculoskeletal Function
Procedure
Non-Invasive, Invasive
Sample Type
No biological sample is needed for this test.
Units
Not Applicable
Procedure Category
Measure
Test Group
Nerve Assessment Group, Muscle Assessment Group
Test Group Description
Nerve Assessment Group: Tests within this group focus on evaluating the function and health of the nervous system. These assessments provide insights into nerve conduction, reflexes, and sensory perception. Muscle Assessment Group: Tests within this group aim to evaluate the function and health of muscles throughout the body. These assessments provide insights into muscle strength, endurance, and coordination.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Abnormal results may indicate:
Acute poliomyelitis (Viral infection causing acute inflammation of the spinal cord)
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord)
Carpal tunnel syndrome (Compression of the median nerve in the wrist leading to hand numbness and weakness)
Cervical spondylosis (Degenerative changes in the cervical s...
Key Reasons For Testing
Muscle and Nerve Function: EMG evaluates electrical activity in muscles and their controlling nerves.
Neuromuscular Disorder Diagnosis: Identifies conditions like peripheral neuropathy, myopathy, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Nerve Injury Localization: Pinpoints nerve injuries through muscle response to stimulation.
Muscle Disorder Evaluation: Detects patterns of weakness or fatigue in conditions like muscul...
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
[1] Daube JR, Rubin DI. Needle electromyography. Muscle Nerve. 2009;39(2):244-270.
[2] Kimura J. Electrodiagnosis in Diseases of Nerve and Muscle: Principles and Practice. Oxford University Press; 2013.
[3] Preston DC, Shapiro BE. Electromyography and Neuromuscular Disorders: Clinical-Electrophysiologic Correlations.3rd ed. Saunders; 2013.
[4] Dumitru D, Amato AA, Zwarts MJ. Electrodiagnostic Medicine. 2nd ed. Hanley & Belfus; 2002.
[5] Bolton CF, Côté LJ, Raymond D. Needle EMG: muscle fiber activity and recruitment patterns. Neurology.1981;31(1):98-106.
[6] Barkhaus PE, Nandedkar SD. Recording characteristics of the surface EMG electrodes. Muscle Nerve.1994;17(11):1317-1323.
[7] Goodgold J, Eberstein A. Electrodiagnosis of Neuromuscular Diseases. Williams & Wilkins; 1983.
[8] Kimura J. Principles and pitfalls of nerve conduction studies and needle EMG. J Clin Neurophysiol. 2001;18(1):84-98.
[9] Fisher MA. Electrophysiology of denervation and reinnervation. Muscle Nerve. 1992;15(9):884-895.
[10] Gerdle B, Karlsson S, Day S, Djupsjöbacka M. Acquisition, processing, and analysis of the surface electromyogram. In: Gandevia SC, McComas AJ, Stuart DG, Thomas CK, eds. Sensorimotor Control of Movement and Posture. Springer; 2002:47-67.
[11] Al-Shekhlee A, Shapiro BE, Preston DC. Needle EMG and biopsy correlations. Muscle Nerve. 2002;26(3):346-351.
[12] Katirji B, Wilbourn AJ. Electrodiagnostic approach to the patient with weakness. Neurol Clin. 1992;10(3):645-658.
[13] Daube JR. Electrophysiologic studies in the diagnosis and prognosis of neuromuscular disorders. Neurol Clin.1989;7(4):779-809.