What is an EMG?

Electric stimulation of muscles to test response.

can you give a quick, "simple" expaination to EMG.... I'm getting ready for finals and didn't understand this well the first time and I know I will see it again this week

If memory serves...

ElecroMyeloGram

Probes (electrodes) that carry electric current are placed in muscle, both proximal and distal from the site(s) being tested, to see if the muscle carries the current and/or elicits a response. I hear that it is not comfortable, and afterwards the part(s) of the body tested feel like you have been strenuously exercising. Used to test muscle and nerves, I believe.

Anyone else able to add??

OIY! Well, he oughtta be happy after it then, huh? LOL

Thanks guys!

It can be used to test muscles in any part of the body.

It is not a traumatic test...nothing to fear.

An EMG is also a great pick-up for an electric guitar or bass. ;>)

(In a silly mood... sorry.)

Thanks...he said he felt nothing and they found nothing...this is getting downright frustrating!

I don't even know where to start...he has terrible terrible back and leg pain. He has for years and nobody has ever been able to find a cause. He has been to a GP and now a sports med. dr. They have done x-rays, MRI's and tons of bloodwork. Now, they did the EMG to see if it is something muscular. The dr. is almost at a loss now as to what could be wrong with him, but it is so bad that they have had him on Prescription Motrin and Percocet for years trying to deal with it and the pain meds. are no longer helping as much. Any ideas?

It can be used to test muscles in any part of the body.

It is not a traumatic test...nothing to fear.

Oh? Mine HURT like a motherscratcher.....Here is a link to a great site with lots of info

http://www.teleemg.com/emgfaq.htm

I've not had the experience but my daughter had an EMG as part of her carpal tunnel work up, and she was NOT a happy camper! High pain threshhold and all, she was still complaining days later (no one told her--I didn't know).

I suspect that whether it is uncomfortable or not is in part due to the patient's pain threshhold and whatever comfort measures can be and are provided, and gentleness with which the probes (which I understand are something like acupuncture needles) are placed, and the ability of the individual conducting the test.

It wouldn't be the only procedure where comfort level hinged on those factors (and others)!

Thanks--