Electromyography (EMG) (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Electromyography (EMG) Introduction
- Risks
- EMG Preparation
- During the Procedure
- After the Procedure
- Next Steps
- Synonyms and Keywords
- References
- Authors and Editors
EMG Preparation
No specific preparation is needed for the testing.
During the Procedure
During EMG, small pins or needles are inserted into muscles to measure electrical activity. The needles are different than needles used for injection of medications. They are small and solid, not hollow like hypodermic needles. Because no medication is injected, discomfort is much less than with shots.
- You will be asked to contract your muscles by moving a small amount during the testing.
- With nerve conduction studies, small electrodes will be taped to your skin or placed around your fingers. You typically will experience a mild and brief tingling or shock, which may be a bit unpleasant.
- The person who administers the test will explain the procedure. Often muscle activity is monitored through a speaker during the test, which may make a popping or soft roaring noise. The EMG technician will be looking at an oscilloscope, which looks like a small TV set during the procedure.
- Testing may take 30-60 minutes.
Next: After the Procedure »
Important Safety Information
Vimpat (lacosamide) is a medicine that is used with other medicines to treat partial onset seizures in patients 17 years of age and older with epilepsy. Vimpat is generally well-tolerated, but may not be for everyone. Ask your doctor if Vimpat is right for you. Antiepileptic drugs, including Vimpat, may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have new or worsening symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or suicidal thoughts, behavior, or thoughts about self harm that you have never had before or may be worse than before. Please see additional patient information in the Medication Guide at the end of the full prescribing information. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your condition or your treatment. Please see additional Patient Safety Information
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Since the measuring device has been constructed by the observer . . . we have to remember that what we observe is not nature itself but nature exposed to our method of questioning.
