Electromyography (EMG)

Free

E-Newsletters

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. About our newsletters

  • Housecall
  • Alzheimer's caregiving
  • Living with cancer

How you prepare

By Mayo Clinic staff

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.

References
  1. 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.
  2. Patient information. American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine. http://www.aanem.org/education/patientinfo/patientInfo.cfm. Accessed June 15, 2010.
  3. Electromyography and nerve conduction velocities. Muscular Dystrophy Association. http://www.mda.org/publications/quest/q75ss.html. Accessed June 15, 2010.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Horowitz SH. Overview of electromyography. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Access June 16, 2010.
  7. Sorenson EJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 16, 2010.
MY00107 Aug. 26, 2010

© 1998-2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Print Share Reprints

Advertisement


Text Size: smaller largerlarger