University Rehabilitation Office

Electromyography (EMG)

This procedure is used to help diagnose various nerve and muscle disorders; including
· Radiculopathy (“Pinched Nerve” in the spine)
· Peripheral Neuropathy
· Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
· Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

There are two parts to the test. The first part consists of nerve conduction studies (NCS), in which electrodes are placed on the skin, and a small electric stimulus is provided to test the function of each nerve. The second part of the test (EMG) consists of inserting a small, sterile needle into specific muscles to test their function. The needle serves as an antenna to pick up the electrical signals between the nerves and muscles. Your physician is able to use this information to determine if any muscle or nerve disorders are present.