Electromyography

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Risks

IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE HOSPITAL...

Before You Go

• Tell your doctor if you:
  • Have a cardiac pacemaker.
  • Are taking an anticoagulant (blood thinner) or have a bleeding disease.
  • Have hepatitis, AIDS, or any other contagious disease.
• Do not take stimulants (drugs that make you nervous) or sedatives (drugs that make you sleepy) for 24 hours before the test.
• Do not drink coffee, tea, or cola on the morning of the test.

What to Expect While You're There

• Taking Your Vital Signs: These include your temperature, blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is taken by wrapping a cuff around your arm.
• During the test:
  • You will either lie in bed or sit in a chair that allows you to stay in a position that puts the muscle to be tested at rest.
  • A wire attached to a ""hot box'' will be placed on the nerve that controls the muscle. When the power is turned on to test the nerve, you may feel a very mild shock.
  • Thin needles will be put into the muscle to be tested. You may feel some pain when the needles are inserted and when you move the muscle during the test.
  • Electrical activity in the muscle will be recorded and displayed on a TV-like screen.
  • The test generally takes between 30 and 90 minutes.

After You Leave

• If the muscles that were tested feel sore, apply warm compresses and take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen.