WHAT IS IT?
    This is a diagnostic study that provides information about the nerve and muscles. It is useful for evaluating conditions in which there is compromise to the integrity of the nerves and muscles (carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, pinched nerve, muscle disease, etc.). It consists of two parts: nerve conduction study (NCS) and electromyogram (EMG).
   For the NCS, the doctor places small electrodes on your skin, and uses a stimulator to deliver a very small electrical current to your skin near nerves being tested, causing your nerves to fire. The electrical signals produced by nerves and muscles are recorded by the computer. The stimulator only produces a very small shock that does not cause damage to your body. Many different motor and sensory nerves are typically evaluated.
   For the EMG, a very small needle is inserted into various muscles in the arm, leg, neck or back. This needle is connected to a computer by a wire, which displays the activity of the muscle being tested. There is no electrical stimulation in this part of the study. In many cases the examination will include areas far from where you are having symptoms because nerves can be very long. A clean new needle is used on each examination, and the needle is thrown out after the examination is complete. There is virtually no chance to catch any diseases from having an EMG.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR IT?
   On the day of the exam, do not use any lotions, moisturizers or powders and wear loose clothing. Let the doctor know if you are taking any blood thinners since the EMG portion of the test involves insertion of a small needle into the muscles.

DOES IT HURT?
   There may be some discomfort in either part of the test, but most people tolerate the test without difficulty.

NCS/EMG Machine