Electrodiagnostic Study | Conditions & Treatments

What is an Electrodiagnostic Study?

Patients referred for an electrodiagnostic study have symptoms related to injury or a disease to nerves and muscles.

At UR Medicine, physiatrists (physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians) work with primary care physicians, orthopaedists, and neurosurgeons to evaluate problems with the peripheral nervous system.

The most common symptoms evaluated are numbness, tingling, and pain or weakness of the arms, legs, or face. Electrodiagnostic studies are combined with a medical history and physical examination to determine the location and severity of nerve or muscle injury/disease.

UR Medicine's Approach

An electrodiagnostic study (EMG study) consists of nerve conduction studies and electromyography.

Nerve conduction studies stimulate the nerves with small amounts of electricity in the arms, legs, or face. The studies evaluate the electrical properties and function of nerves to help detect disease or injury.

Electromyography consists of the insertion of a small needle (slightly larger than an acupuncture needle) through the skin into a muscle to examine electrical properties and function. Approximately 5 to 10 muscles are tested with each study.

Before the study, you may take any of your medications. Ibuprofen (800 mg) may decrease some of the discomfort. Shower or bathe the day before but do not apply lotion or cream to the skin for two days before (creams and lotions interfere with the electrical leads used for the study). In most cases, electrodiagnostic studies can be performed for patients who have metal implants, pacemakers, and electrical stimulators.

Video: Nerve conduction studies (NCSs) and electromyography (EMG) tests help doctors determine if your muscles or nerves have been damaged and, if so, how to treat you. Learn about preparation for the tests, how they are performed, and what is done with the results.

What Sets Us Apart?

Our Electrodiagnostic laboratory is accredited by the American Association of Electrodiagnostic and Neuromuscular Medicine (AANEM) in recognition of providing high quality electrodiagnostic services to our patients.