Eastern Neurology & Neuromuscular Center

Patient Testing

Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)

This page is designed to help you understand why EMG/NCS testing was ordered, what happens during the study, how to prepare, and what to expect afterward.

Preparing for Your Appointment

A few simple steps can help your visit go smoothly:

• Bring your photo ID and insurance information.
• Continue medications unless your healthcare provider instructs you otherwise.
• Do not apply lotions, oils, or creams to your skin on the day of your appointment.
• Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the areas being tested. Some articles of clothing may be removed before testing.
• Let us know if you have a pacemaker or defibrillator prior to scheduling

Important Information Before Your EMG/NCS Test

Please review the following standard safety reminders before your appointment. If you have an implanted medical device, bringing the right information helps our office take appropriate precautions during testing.

• Pacemakers and defibrillators: If you have an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator, please contact your cardiologist before your appointment. Cardiology clearance is required prior to EMG/NCS testing, and your cardiologist can let you know if any additional approval or documentation is needed.
  We do testing on patients with these devices regularly.
  *CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW TO RETRIEVE THIS FORM – ONLY NECESSARY FOR THOSE WITH PACEMAKERS OR DEFIBRILLATORS YOUR CARDIOLOGIST MUST SIGN OFF BEFORE TESTING CAN BE DONE*

• Nerve stimulators: If you have an implanted nerve stimulator, please bring your device remote or controller to your appointment. It may be needed during testing to help with device management and to support appropriate testing precautions.
• Medical device identification cards: If you have any implanted medical device, please bring your medical device identification card so our office can verify the device details and take the proper precautions.
  
  

Appointment Overview

What to Expect During Your EMG/NCS Appointment

• Step 1: Preparation Before Testing
  We will review your medical history and the reason your healthcare provider ordered the study.
  We will confirm which areas need to be evaluated based on your symptoms and the referring provider’s request.
  Your skin will be prepared in the areas being tested.
  
• Step 2: Warming the Testing Area
  To help obtain accurate nerve conduction measurements, we will warm your hands or feet dependant on the area being tested
  Proper skin temperature is important because cooler temperatures can affect nerve conduction measurements.
  The testing provider will ensure the area is appropriately prepared before beginning the nerve conduction portion of the study.
  
• Step 3: Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)
  Small sensors are placed on the skin over specific nerves.
  A brief electrical impulse is applied to measure how quickly and effectively signals travel through the nerves.
  You may feel a brief tingling, tapping, or shock-like sensation during this part of the study.
  Multiple nerves may be tested depending on the reason for your referral.
  
• Step 4: Electromyography (EMG)
  A very thin needle electrode is placed into selected muscles to evaluate muscle activity.
  The provider evaluates the electrical signals produced by the muscles.
  
• Step 5: Completion of Your Study
  A detailed report will be prepared and sent to the healthcare provider who ordered the test. Your referring provider will review the results and determine the next steps for your care.