Nerve Conduction Studies/EMG

Nerve conduction studies are specialised tests which measure conduction of electrical impulses along nerves to help diagnose a variety of nerve disorders. They are sometimes combined with electromyography (EMG), which uses a fine needle electrode (like an acupuncture needle) inserted into selected muscles to assess the electrical activity within those muscles.

Nerve conduction studies/EMG can help in the diagnosis of conditions such as:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Ulnar neuropathy
• Other peripheral nerve entrapments
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Cervical or lumbar nerve root compression
• Motor neuron disease

If you are coming for nerve conduction tests/EMG, please:

• Let us know if you have a cardiac pacemaker, implantable cardioverter defibrillator, or any other implanted device for which you have had batteries inserted under your skin
• Let us know if you are on warfarin or one of the newer anticoagulant medications (such as dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or apixaban)
• Keep your hands and feet warm before the test, especially in cold weather, as nerves conduct impulses more slowly when cooled so this could affect the results of your test
• Do not use any creams (moisturisers, lotions, sunscreen) on your skin as this can interfere with the recording
• Wear loose comfortable clothing
• Do not wear jewellery on the limb(s) to be tested