How can I interpret my EMG results?

Electromyography (EMG) is a medical test in which electrodes are inserted into the muscle for testing neuromuscular abnormalities. This is usually done to find out why the patient experiences muscle weakness or twitching or loss of feeling due to nerve compression. EMG results can be very difficult to interpret themselves. The results should be discussed with a neurologist, but understanding the basics can help you understand your doctor when explaining the results of EMG.

Any muscle can be tested using EMG. Each muscle has a normal range of electrical activity, also referred to as action potential when it is moving. This range usually depends on the size of the muscle and what it does. The results of EMG are generally based on the normal range of the tested specific muscle, without knowing what is normal for this area of ​​the body, the decryption of results can be almost impossible.

For example, when you move, the muscles are activated to make this unique movement. Mild movements - the sameLike twisting fingers - they activate less fiber muscles than stronger movements - such as a clenched hand into a fist. The more muscle fibers it used, the more electrical activity should record electromyography. The analysis of the whole test is then based on such movements and results.

The muscle usually has a slight increase in electrical activity because the electrodes are introduced. After this stimulation is retreating, the electromyograph should not record any electrical activity coming from the muscle unless it moves. If the results of EMG show any record measurements while muscles do not move, it could be a sign of the problem.

Not only does each muscle have a normal range of electrical activity during movement as soon as it has stopped moving. Damaged nerves, neuromuscular diseases or degenerative muscle disease can affect EMG results in different ways. From thisThe physician must carefully examine the result of the test.

nerve damage or neuromuscular connection disease can be indicated if EMG results show that the test has noticed electrical activity when the muscle was at rest. Nerve damage can also cause the muscle in motion to use twice the normal range of electrical activity and it takes longer to disappear when the muscle is released. On the other hand, degenerative muscle disease can show, on the contrary, as in muscles that will never reach the normal range of electrical activity on movement or show no electrical activity at all.

nervous damage may occur as a result of a carpal tunnel disease, a cracked back in the back and grip of the seating nerve. The degenerative muscle disease may include a condition called sinumysitis that causes inflammation and weakened. Some genetic disorders, such as muscle dystrophy, can also cause muscle degeneration.