Electromyography
In addition to nerve conduction studies|, the doctor might also perform another test which records the electrical activity of the muscles.
Electromyography (EMG) involves inserting a small needle into the muscle, to view and listen to the electrical activity generated within the muscle. The patient may be asked to move in a certain way in order to contract the test muscle.
The size of the needle means that it should not be too uncomfortable. As with all needs, patients may experience some minor bruising o fthe muscles and it may feel sore for a short time after the test.
The activity recorded can provide information not only about the muscle but also about the nerve that supplies it and the neuromuscular junction between the two. Depending upon the patient's symptoms and upon clinical examination by the doctor, EMG may be used to test only one, a few, or sometimes several muscles.
Patients taking warfarin or who have or might have a problem with bleeding or clotting should inform the clinical neurophysiology department, as there is a risk that the needle might cause problematic bleeding into the muscle in such circumstances.