What is an electromyography (EMG) test?
A. A needle EMG test involves insertions of small needles into the muscles to assess injury to your nerve(s) as it relates to the muscles that it affects. The muscle is stimulated when the needle is inserted and the electrodes record the muscle’s response on the screen. The patient will be asked to contract the muscle to further determine the severity and type of damage. This is crucial information to determine certain components of a nerve injury. Patients report slightly greater discomfort during the EMG portion of the test as compared to the NCV test. The needles inserted are thin and the sensation on insertion is similar to an acupuncture needle or intramuscular injection. Some patients experience some mild painful sensation when asked to contract the muscle, but this is brief and should subside right away. EMG tests can only be conducted by a qualified medical doctor. Neurolink will provide either the Company’s neurologist or physiatrist to perform these EMG tests. Similar to the
