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Electromyography
What is it? Overview Usage Side Effects and Warnings
Answers

What is Electromyography?

Electromyography (EMG) measures and records the electrical activity of a muscle. The test can record a muscle's electrical activity at rest or during a muscle contraction.

An EMG is often done with nerve conduction studies . These studies can analyze the electrical activity in your nerves.

EMG of the Shoulder
EMG of the Shoulder
© 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

EMG is most often done to:

  • Aid in diagnosing the source of pain, cramping, or weakness in the muscles and nerves
  • Differentiate between true muscle weakness and limitations due to pain
  • Determine if muscles are working properly
  • Distinguish between muscle and nerve disorders

Call Your Doctor

After the test, call your doctor if any of the following occurs:

  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge around the needle sites
 
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