How painful is an emg (electromyogram) test?

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.

Tolerable discomfort: Emg and nerve conduction studies are typically performed together. Nerve conduction studies feel like a short electrical impulse and are, in a word, annoying. Several nerves are tested. Emg involves placing a fine wire pin into various muscles-- the pin is about the size of an acupuncture needle and feels like an insect bite-- not as bad as a shot, iv, or blood draw. Several muscles are tested.