EMG and nerve conduction studies are invaluable tests for diagnosing dozens of nerve and muscle conditions. Some of these conditions are due to injuries. Other are inherited disorders. Doctors often use electromyography to diagnose (or rule out) conditions such as:
Carpal tunnel syndrome, a common condition that affects the wrist and hand
Nerve injuries in the neck and back, such as herniated disc
Sciatic nerve problems, which can cause weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg
Neuromuscular disorders such as polyneuropathy and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
Muscular dystrophy, or other conditions that cause muscle weakness (called myopathies)
Neuromuscular diseases, such as myasthenia gravis – a nerve-related autoimmune disorder that causes weakness of the voluntary muscles
There are other conditions that can cause abnormal results. Your doctor will go over your results with you and talk about next steps.