Nerve Conduction Test

A nerve conduction test, also known as electromyography, or EMG, is a common tool used to help doctors identify whether a problem is caused by muscles or nerves. The test is used to diagnose a wide variety of conditions and understanding more about it can help to alleviate any apprehension you might feel.

What Does a Nerve Conduction Test Do?

A nerve conduction test essentially measures your nerves’ ability to transmit signals to and from your brain. In order to lift your finger, for example, your brain must send a signal – which is an electrical impulse – to that finger and tell it to move. If your nerves are properly conducting those impulses, your finger will move relatively easily. On the other hand, if your nerves are not properly conducting those impulses, your finger may not move properly, and in some cases, it may not move at all.

Why Might You Need a Nerve Conduction Test?

Because nerve conduction tests are diagnostic rather than therapeutic, there are many scenarios in which it may be feasible for you. If you experience any unexplained pain, cramping, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness, and if your doctor has ruled out the most common causes for these, a nerve conduction test is the next logical step. It can reveal a great deal about what is happening in your body to cause your symptoms.

What Might Your Nerve Conduction Test Reveal?

A nerve conduction test can help doctors find a diagnosis for your symptoms, and even when it doesn’t, it can help rule out some significant medical problems. An EMG, for example, can help diagnose things like:

• Muscular dystrophy and various other neuromuscular diseases;
• Spinal issues, including (but not limited to) herniated disks;
• Carpal tunnel syndrome and other nerve problems throughout your body;
• Issues with peripheral nerves, such as those in your arms and legs;
• A nerve that has been pinched by a bone spur, swollen muscle, or other abnormality; and
• A handful of very rare disorders, including Guillain-Barre syndrome, which is an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system views the nerves in your arms and legs as foreign and attacks them.

If you have already been diagnosed with a nerve injury or a disorder that can cause nerve issues, a nerve conduction test may be a helpful tool for tracking your progress.

A nerve conduction test can diagnose or rule out a wide variety of problems, and it can even be used to track your healing if you have already been diagnosed. Before your test, make sure you are well-hydrated and rested for the best possible results.