A test used to record the electrical activity of muscles. An electromyogram (EMG) is also called a myogram.
An electrophysiological recording of muscle potentials that measures the amount and nature of muscle activity at the site from which the recording is taken.
An electrodiagnostic assessment of the activity of skeletal muscles.
A record of the electrical properties of skeletal muscles.
A chart showing the electric currents in active muscles.
A medical test in which the electrical activity in a set of muscles is recorded and analyzed, a harmless test in which small electrodes are placed on or in the skin and the patterns of electrical activity projected on a screen or over a loudspeaker. An EMG is used to test for muscle disorders, such as muscular dystrophy.
Recording of the electrical activity occurring when voluntary (skeletal) muscles work; it is helpful in diagnosing muscle and nerve abnormalities.
A record of electric activity associated with muscle movement; done to evaluate muscle and nerve function and to diagnose dysfunction.
Also known as an EMG, a test used to record the electrical activity of muscles. An EMG is most often performed when a person experiences numbness and weakness. Abnormal findings may indicate diagnoses such as ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, or peripheral nerve damage. An EMG involves some discomfort when the needle is inserted, as well as muscle soreness later. An alternative to a regular EMG is a surface EMG (SEMG). This involves placing electrodes on the surface of the skin to detect electrical activity. Although this test may prove of some value in the future, at present it is considered less accurate. An EMG is often done in conjunction with nerve conduction velocity (NCV) tests, which show how well the nerve endings are working.
The graphic record of resting and voluntary muscle activity as a result of electrical stimulation.
The abbreviation for electromyogram is EMG, which represents a recording of the electrical activity occurring within a muscle.
EMG plays a crucial role in diagnosing various muscle disorders, including muscular dystrophy, as well as conditions characterized by impaired nerve supply to the muscles, such as neuropathy, radiculopathy, or motor neuron disease. Additionally, EMG is instrumental in pinpointing the precise location of nerve damage in cases of nerve injuries. Through this diagnostic technique, healthcare professionals can gain valuable insights into the functioning and health of the muscular and nervous systems, aiding in accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.
The electrical activity of muscles is assessed both during periods of muscle contraction and at rest. To do this, small disc electrodes are affixed to the skin above the muscle, or needle electrodes are carefully inserted into the muscle itself. The muscle’s impulses are then displayed on an oscilloscope screen, presenting a wave pattern that indicates muscle contraction and relaxation, thus indicating whether the muscle activity is normal or not. A permanent record of the EMG can be created for further analysis. Importantly, this procedure is safe and has no side effects, making it a valuable diagnostic tool for evaluating muscle function and detecting abnormalities without posing any risk to the patient.