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What Does My EMG Test Report Indicate?

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Posted on Fri, 8 Sep 2017
Question: I am having an EMG next week due to twitching in my feet and lower legs (bilaterally). What is an EMG?
Thanks
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (41 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
electromyography- electrical impulses along peripheral nerves in muscles

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

The EMG looks at electrical impulse that are present in muscles. It measures the amount of 'electricity' that is generated by muscles.

During the test, very small needles are inserted through parts of the skin to touch muscle. These needles are called electrodes. They pick up the electrical activity of the muscles and send the message to the machine.
The machine shows the electrical activity of the muscle at different points, when at rest (there is no muscle movement), with slight muscle contraction and with increased muscle contraction.

It is commonly done along with nerve conduction tests that look at how well the impulses/messages are being sent along the nerves.

These tests are used as an extension to physical examination to diagnose issues with the peripheral nerves (nerves outside the spinal cord and brain) and the muscles.


I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Does My EMG Test Report Indicate?

Brief Answer: electromyography- electrical impulses along peripheral nerves in muscles Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic The EMG looks at electrical impulse that are present in muscles. It measures the amount of 'electricity' that is generated by muscles. During the test, very small needles are inserted through parts of the skin to touch muscle. These needles are called electrodes. They pick up the electrical activity of the muscles and send the message to the machine. The machine shows the electrical activity of the muscle at different points, when at rest (there is no muscle movement), with slight muscle contraction and with increased muscle contraction. It is commonly done along with nerve conduction tests that look at how well the impulses/messages are being sent along the nerves. These tests are used as an extension to physical examination to diagnose issues with the peripheral nerves (nerves outside the spinal cord and brain) and the muscles. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions