Needle Electromyography (EMG)
With the Needle EMG Test, we are studying how your muscles react to your commands. The doctor will cleanse your skin and insert a very fine, flexible needle directly into the affected muscles.
Needle EMG helps detect problems such as:
Nerve disorders (like radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy, or nerve compression).
Muscle disorders (like muscular dystrophy or inflammatory myopathies).
Communication problems at the junction between nerves and muscles (like myasthenia gravis).
What happens during the test
Preparation: The skin over the test area is cleaned. No anesthesia is usually needed, since the needle is very fine.
Needle insertion: The provider inserts the needle electrode into one or more muscles.
Recording: You may be asked to relax, then gently contract the muscle (for example, lift your leg or flex your arm). The electrode picks up and records the electrical signals.
Duration: The test usually takes 30–60 minutes, depending on how many muscles need to be checked.
What it feels like
You may feel a quick pinch when the needle goes in, followed by some soreness or twitching in the muscle.
The sensation is often compared to an injection or blood draw, but sometimes feels a bit achier since the needle is in muscle tissue.
Mild soreness can last for a few hours up to a day.
After the test
You can resume normal activities right away.
Some people notice minor bruising or muscle tenderness where the needle was placed.
Serious side effects are very rare.