What Are EMG and Nerve Conduction Studies

Electromyography and nerve conduction studies are complementary tests that evaluate how well nerves and muscles are working Nerve conduction studies measure how fast and how strongly electrical signals travel along peripheral nerves while EMG records the electrical activity inside muscles using a very thin needle electrode Together they help diagnose neuropathies radiculopathies motor neuron disease myopathies and disorders of the neuromuscular junction such as myasthenia gravis

When Neurologists Order EMG and NCS

These tests are recommended when people have numbness tingling burning weakness muscle wasting cramps or unusual fatigue in the limbs They are also used to evaluate suspected carpal tunnel syndrome ulnar neuropathy at the elbow foot drop from peroneal nerve palsy nerve root compression from spinal problems and generalised polyneuropathy due to diabetes or other systemic illnesses EMG can distinguish muscle disease from nerve disease and detect disorders such as motor neuron disease or inflammatory myopathies

How Nerve Conduction Studies Are Performed

For nerve conduction studies small surface electrodes are placed on the skin over a nerve and a brief electrical pulse is delivered through another electrode placed at a known distance The resulting response is recorded and the speed and amplitude of conduction are calculated Slowing of conduction or reduced response sizes can indicate nerve damage demyelination or axonal loss Sensory and motor nerves in arms and legs are tested according to symptoms and the experience is usually tolerated well despite brief tingling sensations

How EMG Is Performed

During EMG a fine sterile needle electrode is inserted into selected muscles to record electrical activity at rest and during gentle contraction The doctor listens to and views the patterns generated by muscle fibres and motor units looking for abnormal spontaneous discharges reduced recruitment or myopathic changes Discomfort is usually mild and short lived similar to a small injection and no medicines are injected into the muscle

Safety and Preparation

EMG and NCS are generally safe with minimal risks of bruising or soreness at needle sites Patients taking blood thinners with pacemakers or implantable devices should inform the doctor so that techniques can be adjusted if needed It is helpful to avoid using creams or lotions on the day of the test so that electrodes adhere properly and to dress in loose clothing for easy access to arms and legs

Why Choose Livasa Hospital Mohali for EMG and NCS

At Livasa Hospital Mohali neurologists trained in clinical neurophysiology personally perform and interpret EMG and NCS ensuring that testing is targeted to the clinical question and that findings are integrated immediately into diagnosis and management The hospital setting provides reliable equipment infection control access to imaging and laboratory services and the ability to coordinate same day consultations and tests for people travelling from across Punjab

NAP Contact Details Mohali Unit

Livasa Hospital Mohali
Sector 71 Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar Mohali Punjab 160071