Electromyogram (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies

An electromyogram (EMG) measures the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during contraction. Nerve conduction studies detect how well and how fast the nerves can send electrical signals. These tests assist in detecting muscle weakness, muscle disease and damaged nerves.

EMG testing is typically done when you have these symptoms:

Tingling
Numbness
Muscle weakness
Muscle pain or cramping

EMG results are often necessary to help diagnose or rule out a number of conditions:

Muscle disorders
Diseases affecting the connection between the nerve and the muscle
Disorders of nerves outside the spinal cord (peripheral nerves), such as carpal tunnel syndrome or peripheral neuropathies
Disorders that affect the motor neurons in the brain or spinal cord, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or a herniated disk in the spine

Dr. Peter Gemelli does the EMG/nerve conduction studies for Independence Back Institute. If you have further question, please call our office at 910-794-8892.