Electromyography (EMG)

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Risks

By Mayo Clinic staff

EMG is a low-risk procedure, and complications are rare. There's a very small risk of bleeding, infection and nerve injury where a needle electrode is inserted. When muscles along the chest wall are examined with a needle electrode, there's a very small risk that it could cause air to leak into the area between the lungs and chest wall, causing a lung to collapse (pneumothorax).

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

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