(630)372-1100 Newsletter English Doctors & Staff Specialties Our Services Reviews Patient Info Contact EMGTesting Should I have an EMG test? In order to provide the best possible care to you, your doctor needs to determine the cause of your symptoms. The following symptoms warrant this diagnostic procedure: numbness, tingling, feeling of “pins and needles” acute or chronic neck or back pain continuous pain loss of sensation burning pain weakness or atrophy difficulty with fine motor movements sharp, shooting, or radiating pain aching pain muscle spasms loss of muscle control hot/cold sensation gait or balance issues Symptoms that you experience are your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. There are numerous reasons that you may be experiencing these symptoms. An EMG study is an important test that will help your doctor to establish a proper diagnosis and will assist in setting a treatment plan tailored to target the cause of your symptoms. What will the test feel like? The procedure is mildly uncomfortable; a small electric shock is applied to the nerves that are being tested. This sensation is very similar to the shock of static electricity, which we often experience on a hot dry day when we touch another person. Can you walk me through what the test will be like? There are two parts to the test. In the first part, the technician will place sticky pads along specific sites of your arms or legs. A stimulator probe will be placed on top of your skin and mild electrical impulses will be sent up the nerve pathway. This electric impulse excites the nerve and an impulse then travels down the nerve to its muscle which it contracts. The technician will record the electrical activity of your nerves. The second part of the test will be performed by a neurologist. This portion of the test is similar to the other portion; however a small needle is used by the neurologist. This part of the test provides important information about the muscles and how the muscle is communicating with your nerves. It will also help differentiate between a muscle disorder and a nerve disorder. There is no risk or damage done to the nerves or body by this investigation. The human body actually produces its own natural electrical currents to deliver messages from the brain to the other parts of the body. These naturally occurring electric currents in your nerves can be affected by injury, inflammation, disease, and/or other conditions. You can continue your medications as usual, and you will be able to resume normal activities directly after testing. About your EMG Study Preparing for your EMG study… Before your scheduled test date, please inform the staff if you are taking any blood thinners, such as Coumadin, or if you have a pacemaker or defibrillator The study will take 30 minutes to an hour to complete, depending on the specific studies that will be done Please do not apply lotions or oils to your skin on your test date Wear loose fitting, dark colored clothing On your test date… Please check in with the office staff to let them know you are there for your EMG study Our highly trained neurodiagnostic technician and board certified physician will be performing the study The test is mildly uncomfortable. A small electric shock is applied to the nerves that are being tested Once your study is completed, you can resume any of your normal activities After your test… The neurologist will write a formal report Your doctor will receive the report within 3-4 days from your test date Please schedule a follow up appointment with your doctor to review the results Contact us today with your questions or if you would like to schedule an appointment. (630) 372-1100. We’re Here to Help Where does it hurt? Why choose Suburban Orthopaedics? Our Doctors Our Locations Patient Portal Wellness and Natural Healing Physical Therapy Workers Comp Outpatient Surgery Surgical Videos For your convenience, we have a Medical Equipment Store in Bartlett for items from braces and crutches to physical therapy tools. Sign up for our Newsletter Get health tips and much more with our monthly newsletter, Keeping You in Step BARTLETT ELK GROVE ELGIN CHICAGO HOFFMAN ESTATES Site Map Privacy Policies DOCTORS & STAFF PATIENT INFO REVIEWS FORMS FAQ CONTACT SPECIALTIES Orthopaedic Care Sports Medicine Shoulder and Elbow Hand and Wrist Hip and Knee Foot and Ankle Neck and Back Pain Management Workers’ Comp Personal Injury SERVICES Physician Evaluation Telehealth Physical Therapy X-Ray and MRI EMG Testing Bracing and Casts Medications and Injections Wellness and Natural Healing Orthobiologics Outpatient Surgery Coflex® Interlaminar Stabilization® Mako Robotic–Arm Assisted Surgery NanoScope™