EMG stands for electromyography, which measures the electrical activity of muscles. EMG is one way to measure muscle function and identify muscle problems that are often caused by injury or disease. This blog post will discuss the benefits of visiting a neurologist in New Jersey EMG, how it works, and why you should have it done if you suspect a problem with your muscle function.
What is EMG?
EMG stands for electromyography, which measures the electrical activity in muscles. It is done by placing electrodes on a person’s skin to measure how much electricity your muscle cells produce at rest and during contraction. EMG can be used to determine whether or not there is nerve damage causing problems with muscle function. It can also help diagnose a variety of diseases and injuries.
Uses of EMG
EMG can be used to diagnose a variety of diseases and injuries. The most common use for EMG in diagnosing neuromuscular problems that cause muscle function issues, such as weakness or paralysis.
In some instances where people have severe muscle pain without an obvious cause, performing an EMG may help determine whether or not the pain is caused by a muscle or nerve problem.
An EMG can help determine the severity of damage to muscles and nerves, which doctors may use to prescribe treatment options more accurately.
EMG results and other tests such as MRIs and CT scans are used to diagnose an issue like carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) or to differentiate between CTS and other nerve conditions.
Other conditions that EMG may be used to diagnose include:
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Peripheral Neuropathy (damage of the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord)
- Radiculopathy (pinched nerve in neck or back causing pain, numbness, or weakness)
- Myasthenia Gravis (abnormal muscle response when a nerve impulse tells a muscle to contract)
- Parkinson’s Disease (progressive loss of control over movement, causing tremors or stiffness).
What You Have to Know Before the Procedure
There are a few things you should keep in mind before getting an EMG. Most importantly, let your doctor know if there is any reason for them to avoid or be cautious about the use of needles when performing the test. For example, people with severe arthritis may have trouble holding still during the procedure because it can cause pain in their joints. So, your doctor will want to use a lighter touch when inserting the needles.
It’s also important that you inform your doctor of any past or current conditions they should be aware of before performing an EMG.
People with blood circulation problems may bruise easily and take longer than usual for their bruises to heal due to poor blood flow. The bruises from the needle insertion can last longer and may require more time to disappear.
If you have diabetes, you should let your doctor know because you are at an increased risk for nerve damage, preventing them from feeling where the needles go in or causing a loss of sensation when trying to remove them. It increases both risks and recovery time.
In summary, electromyography is a technique where an electrical current stimulates muscles to see how they respond. This information can help diagnose muscle diseases like muscular dystrophy and myasthenia gravis. If you suspect a problem with your muscle function, visit a neurologist as soon as possible.
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