Myogram
Key points
- Electromyography is a test that assesses the health of the muscles and the nerves controlling the muscles.
- For an EMG, a needle electrode is inserted through the skin into the muscle.
- To ensure accurate readings, avoid using any creams or lotions on the day of the test.
- The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust.
Alternative names
EMG; Electromyography
Definition
Electromyography is a test that assesses the health of the muscles and the nerves controlling the muscles.
How the test is performed
For an EMG, a needle electrode is inserted through the skin into the muscle. The electrical activity detected by this electrode is displayed on an oscilloscope, and may be heard through a speaker.
After placement of the electrodes, you may be asked to contract the muscle (for example, by bending your arm). The presence, size, and shape of the wave form - the action potential - produced on the oscilloscope provide information about the ability of the muscle to respond when the nerves are stimulated.
A nerve conduction velocity test is usually performed in conjunction with an EMG.
How to prepare for the test
No special preparation is usually necessary. To ensure accurate readings, avoid using any creams or lotions on the day of the test.
Infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:
- Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
- Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
- Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
- Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
- Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)
How the test will feel
There may be some discomfort with insertion of the electrodes (similar to an intramuscular injection). Afterward, the muscle may feel tender or bruised for a few days.
Why the test is performed
EMG is most often used when people have symptoms of weakness and examination shows impaired muscle strength. It can help to differentiate primary muscle conditions from muscle weakness caused by neurologic disorders.
Normal Values
Muscle tissue is normally electrically silent at rest. Once the insertion activity (caused by the trauma of needle insertion) quiets down, there should be no action potential on the oscilloscope. When the muscle is voluntarily contracted, action potentials begin to appear. As contraction is increased, more and more muscle fibers produce action potentials until a disorderly group of action potentials of varying rates and amplitudes (complete recruitment and interference pattern) appears with full contraction.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.