The EMG test is used to evaluate the status of the muscles, nerves, roots and anterior horn cells. A number of neurological disorders present with weakness or atrophy (thinning) of muscles.

Some common disorders are:

• Muscular dystrophy
• Myopathy
• Neuropathy
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Nerve injuries
• Cervical/lumbar radiculopathy
• Motor neuron diseases

The EMG may be done either alone or in combination with nerve conduction studies (NCS) depending on the neurological disorder.

Common symptoms of muscle involvement:

• Difficulty in climbing stairs.
• Difficulty in getting up from sitting/squatting position.
• Difficulty in performing movements like buttoning, breaking chapatis, mixing food, combing hair.
• Raising hands above the head.

Details of Procedure:

• A thin disposable EMG needle is inserted into the muscle to be examined. Depending on the type of disease one or more muscles may be required to be tested.
• You may experience mild pain during the procedure.
• There is no risk of transmitting the infection since disposable needles are used and they are destroyed after use.
• You can have your regular food and medication on the day of the test.
• You should wear loose clothes so that the test can be easily done.