Dignity Health: Performing Electromyography (EMG) in Arizona
An electromyogram (EMG) is a form of diagnostic testing that helps doctors assess the health of your muscles and the nerves that control them. Neurologists at Dignity Health may recommend electromyography if you have symptoms of a muscle or nerve disorder. To learn more about an EMG in Arizona, Find a Doctor today at Dignity Health.
Why an EMG May be Necessary
Doctors at Dignity Health use electromyography to diagnose a wide range of diseases and disorders, including:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Sciatic nerve dysfunction (sciatica)
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy
- Myasthenia gravis
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
The muscles that surround the skeleton are controlled by special motor nerves. If these muscles or nerves do not function properly, it can cause muscle weakness. An EMG allows a neurologist to determine if there is problem with the muscles or nerves.
What to Expect With an EMG at Dignity Health
Before an EMG, your doctor will give you special instructions on how to prepare. You should not use any skin creams or lotions on the day of the test. Before the test begins, tell the EMG technician if you take blood thinners.
An EMG may be performed in a Dignity Health hospital, outpatient laboratory, or doctor’s office. During this minimally invasive test, thin needles are inserted through your skin into muscle tissue. This can be uncomfortable, especially for children. Special electrodes on the needles send signals to a monitor and record the activity of the muscles and nerves.
In some cases, you may have a nerve conduction velocity test at the same time as your EMG. During a nerve conduction test, electrodes are placed on your skin and deliver an electrical impulse to your muscles. This may feel like a mild shock.
Recovery After an EMG
Once your test is complete, you will be able to go back to your normal activities. Your muscles may feel sore from the needles. An EMG can help your doctor understand what may be causing your muscle weakness. A diagnosis will help guide your treatment.
Neurologists at Dignity Health specialize in diagnosing a wide array of muscle and nerve disorders using the latest diagnostic tests, including EMG in Arizona.