Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) & Electromyography (EMG)

Nerve Conduction Studies and Electromyography are two separate tests that are usually done one after the other.

Preparation for this procedure:

• No children please.
• Please be on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late your test may be rescheduled.
• You may eat, drink, and keep your normal schedule until the test.
• If you smoke, please refrain from doing so until after the test.
• Please notify your doctor if you are on blood thinner medications such as Coumadin. Your dosage may need to be adjusted, or the doctor may take you off the medication a few days before the test.

What can I expect?

The technician may ask you to remove your clothes and give you an appropriate robe. This test is a two part test beginning with the NCS portion, during this time the technician will place some electrodes on the area to be tested and with an instrument send a series of electrical shocks through to test the nerves in the area. This usually does not hurt, although it can be uncomfortable. The computer will register how long it takes for electricity to pass between electrodes. This is done to evaluate the nerves.

The second portion of the test is EMG. The doctor does this portion of the test and it involves some very fine needles being inserted into the muscle to check the electrical activity within the muscle. The doctor will ask you to move in different positions to evaluate the muscle. This portion of the test can be painful, but it is usually done very quickly. The NCS and EMG may take from 45-60 minutes. You may resume your daily activities as usual. Please make a follow up appointment with the doctor to get the results of the test. Results are usually available within a week.