For Patients

How To Prepare For Your EMG

The day of your EMG thoroughly clean skin with soap and water, and do not apply any lotions, creams or powders

Wear or bring loose fitting clothing (t shirt and gym shorts) to allow access your extremities and spine

All medications should be taken as prescribed, please contact us prior to your EMG if you are taking Mestinon

Pacemakers, defibrillators or any other medical device will not be affected, please let your provider know of any medical devices the day of your test

Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete paperwork

Insurance

We accept most insurance providers. Before you arrive, your insurance will be verified. If your insurance is not covered, we will provide information on self-pay and additional options.

Self-Pay

Please contact our office to for more information

What to expect

Before you arrive, your referring provider will provide instructions on what will be tested. The electrodiagnostic test (EDX) is used to examine the function of the muscles and nerves and will aid your referring provider in creating your treatment plan.

The EDX consists of 3 parts:

1. A history and physical examination which will aid in tailoring your EDX examination specifically to you.
2. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) will be performed by placing electrodes over the skin, stimulating the nerve with a very mild electrical current and recording the response.
3. Electromyography (EMG) involves placing a very thin wire electrode just under the skin and will display and record electrical activity of the muscle at rest and with contraction. There is no electrical stimulation with this portion of the test.

EDX testing is safe and well tolerated, there is only very mild discomfort. The test is typically completed in 30 to 60 minutes.

After your test, your EDX provider will review the findings, generate a report and send it to your referring provider, who will explain your results and discus your next steps.

You will be able to resume activities immediately after your test.

Please contact our office with any questions.

What types of conditions are assessed with EDX?

Mononeuropathies

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

Polyneuropathies

• Diabetic or hereditary polyneuropathy

Radiculopathies

• Pinched nerve in the neck or low back

Motor Neuron Disease

• Polio or ALS

Plexopathies

Myopathies

• Myositis

Neuromuscular Junction Disorders

• Myasthenia Gravis