Question 1

does a emg test hurt?

Accepted Answer

A little bit: The level of pain varies from patient to patient and with the doctor who is performing the test. Most patients find the discomfort relatively mild and no big deal.

Question 2

is an emg test painful?

Accepted Answer

Uncomfortable: Like a lot of medical tests emgs are not fun. I tell patients there will be some discomfort but it should be tolerable and not last too long.

Question 3

what does a emg test show?

Accepted Answer

EMG: An electromyogram (EMG) measures the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during contraction.

Question 4

what is an emg nerve test used for?

Accepted Answer

Diagnosis: Useful for pinched nerves, peripheral neuropathy, myopathy, myasthenia gravis, and to differentiate various problems with nerve and muscle.  Can assist when nerve compressed within neck or back.

Question 5

emg/ncv test will show what exactly?

Accepted Answer

See below: Ncv, or nerve conduction velocity, is an electrical diagnostic test that provides information about abnormal conditions in the nerves.

Emg, or electromyography is a technique for evaluating and recording the electrical activity produced by muscles.

Question 6

how much time does pain from emg test last?

Accepted Answer

Days at most : There shouldn't be any persistent pain from an EMG other than some muscle soreness (as if you have worked out too hard) that responds to NSAIDs and goes away in a few days at most. There used to be significant concern about bleeding in the muscles, especially those along the vertebrae, but studies have shown a very low rate of these bleeds, even in patients on powerful anticoagulant medication.

Question 7

for what length of time does pain from emg test last?

Accepted Answer

EMG Pain: Very fine needles are used to perform an EMG or electromyography.  Most practitioners will use a type of needle which is covered by a material like teflon with only the tip of the needle exposed.  This helps with patient comfort.  Also, only a portion of the needle beyond the tip enters the muscle and only transiently.  Stretching the skin prior to needle insertion helps.  Any pain is temporary.

Question 8

i have to take a electromyography (emg) test. how do i prepare?

Accepted Answer

Relax: First you need to show up. Be prepared to sit relatively still for about an hour. The test works best if you relax during it. It is very well tolerated but there may be aspects that are uncomfortable for a very short time. The EMG portion is done with a needle that measures muscle activity. It should not be very painful. Most folks tolerate it well.The results are very useful for your treatment.

Question 9

i'm not getting relief of pain. is it common to be negative for an emg test and then be tested a year later as positive? how reliable are these tests?

Accepted Answer

Complex issues: The quality of an EMG depends upon who is doing it.  Can it be negative at one time and positive at another?  Yes.  The problem could be evolving.  However, it depends on the details of "positive".  

Pain relief depends on the cause.  Also, "not getting relief" over what span of time?  Weeks?  Years?  Makes a big difference.  Chronic pain will fail treatment unless the cause is being addressed.

Question 10

how painful is an emg (electromyogram) test?

Accepted Answer

Mild?: Emg needles vary in size; the monopolar needles quite small, even close to acupuncture size, and the coaxial needles quite larger in comparison.  Any size needle may leave a small painful bruise.  The electrical shocks will make a limb jump, and may be irritating.  Thus, pain may be secondary to choice of technique, but also, due to anxiety level in the patient.  Pain usually mild, well tolerated.

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Doctor answers about:

Emg test preparation

A member asked:

Does a emg test hurt?

A member asked:

Is an emg test painful?

A member asked:

What does a emg test show?

A member asked:

What is an emg nerve test used for?

A member asked:

Emg/ncv test will show what exactly?

A member asked:

How much time does pain from emg test last?

A member asked:

For what length of time does pain from emg test last?

A member asked:

I have to take a electromyography (emg) test. how do i prepare?

A member asked:

I'm not getting relief of pain. is it common to be negative for an emg test and then be tested a year later as positive? how reliable are these tests?

A member asked:

How painful is an emg (electromyogram) test?

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