HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Electromyogram (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies
Test Overview
An electromyogram (EMG) measures the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during contraction. Nerve conduction studies measure how well and how fast the nerves can send electrical signals.
Nerves control the muscles in the body with electrical signals called impulses. These impulses make the muscles react in specific ways. Nerve and muscle problems cause the muscles to react in abnormal ways.
If you have leg pain or numbness, you may have these tests to find out how much your nerves are being affected. These tests check how well your spinal nerves and the nerves in your arms and legs are working.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference November 30, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology |
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