An electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction study (NCS) examination is a procedure used to test for nerve and muscle injury. Sometimes these tests together are just called "EMG" for short.

If your doctor has ordered muscle and nerve tests for you, you may wonder why and what to expect.

Why Do Nerve Conduction?

Nerves control your muscles and allow you to move and feel things. Your brain sends signals through your nerves to make muscles work and carry messages such as feelings (hot, cold, smooth, etc.)

When your nerves are healthy, they carry the signals quickly and efficiently. If there is pressure on a nerve or when a nerve is sick or injured, the signals travel slower and with less power.

A Nerve Conduction Test tells us how well your nerve signals travel. The tests can locate where there is pressure on the nerve and determine how severe it may be.

Why Do Electromyography?

Nerves control muscles. When the muscle contracts, it generates tiny electrical charges. When there is a problem with your nerves or muscles, changes occur in the physiology, or the way they function, and the electrical charges generated by the muscle are altered. The EMG test provides important information about how muscle is functioning that otherwise could not be detected.

What Does It Feel Like And Does It Hurt?

Like most things in life, someone will tell you how bad anything is - so don't worry. When performed by a qualified, experienced, professional, the testing is slightly uncomfortable. The Nerve Conduction Test requires a safe, mild electric stimulus. The EMG requires the insertion of a thin, acupuncture-like pin to record the tiny electrical discharges within the muscle. Most people tolerate both procedures well and were more bothered by their concern about the test than the test itself!

How Will This Test Help Me?

Your doctor will use the results of this test to help him or her determine or exclude causes for your symptoms. They will help your doctor establish an accurate diagnosis and, in some cases, prognosis.