Electromyography, or EMG, measures the electrical impulses of the muscles at rest and during contractions. Nerve conduction studies are often done along with EMG to determine if a nerve is functioning normally. Dr. Aashish Bharara at Perimeter Orthopaedics, PC in Atlanta and Woodstock, Georgia performs EMG’s on many of their patients, as he is a licensed and board-certified interventional Physical Medicine and Spine Management Specialist.
Did you know that your body is an electrical generator? Nerves and muscles create electrical signals that deliver messages to and from your brain. Sensory nerves deliver information about your surroundings to the brain. Motor nerves deliver signals from the brain to activate your muscles.
Electromyography (EMG) measures muscle response or electrical activity in response to a nerve’s stimulation of the muscle. The test is used to help detect neuromuscular abnormalities. During the test, one or more small needles are inserted through the skin into the muscle. The electrical activity picked up by the electrodes is then displayed on a monitor that displays electrical activity in the form of waves. An audio-amplifier is used so the activity can be heard.
EMG measures the electrical activity of muscle during rest, slight contraction and forceful contraction. Muscle tissue does not normally produce electrical signals during rest. When an electrode is inserted, a brief period of activity can be seen on the oscilloscope, but after that, no signal should be present.
The accuracy of electrodiagnostic tests depends on the skill of the person conducting the test and the precision of the equipment used. Generally, these tests can accurately determine injuries to the nerves or nerve roots, as well as diseases of the nerves and muscles. Dr. Bharara is a trained and board-certified specialist who can complete these tests with the upmost care.
To learn more about EMG visit OrthoInfo.com or Hopkins Medicine. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Bharara please call our office at 404-255-5595.
