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Precautions
The nervous system specialist (neurologist) conducting the EMG will need to know if you have certain medical conditions. Tell the neurologist and other EMG lab personnel if you:
- Have a pacemaker or any other electrical medical device
- Take blood-thinning medications
- Have hemophilia, a blood-clotting disorder that causes prolonged bleeding
Questions to ask
When you schedule your EMG, you may want to ask the following questions:
- What time do I need to arrive?
- Where is the EMG lab, and what's the best way to find it in the hospital or clinic?
- Do I need to stop taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications before the exam?
- Can a friend or relative be with me during the exam?
Bathing
Take a shower or bath shortly before your exam to remove oils from your skin. Do not apply lotions or creams before the exam.
- Ropper A, et al. Electrophysiologic and laboratory aids in the diagnosis of neuromuscular disease. In: Adams and Victor's Principles of Neurology. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3641085. Accessed June 15, 2010.
- Patient information. American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine. http://www.aanem.org/education/patientinfo/patientInfo.cfm. Accessed June 15, 2010.
- Electromyography and nerve conduction velocities. Muscular Dystrophy Association. http://www.mda.org/publications/quest/q75ss.html. Accessed June 15, 2010.
- Peripheral nervous system and motor unit disorders: Introduction. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec16/ch223/ch223a.html. Accessed June 16, 2010.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/carpal_tunnel/detail_carpal_tunnel.htm#115143049. Accessed June 16, 2010.
- Horowitz SH. Overview of electromyography. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Access June 16, 2010.
- Sorenson EJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 16, 2010.
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