WSPR offers EMG (electromyography) testing to diagnose a variety of nerve and muscle disorders. Electrodiagnostic exams typically consist of two distinct tests: a needle electromyogram to assess nerve activity within the muscles, and a nerve conduction study to assess the motor neurons that control muscle movement.

The nerve conduction study, which is typically the first portion of the EMG, uses small sensors on the surface of the skin to measure the motor neurons’ ability to send out electrical signals to the other parts of the body. The needle EMG, which comes next, uses electrodes that are inserted into the muscle tissue to evaluate muscle activity. The entire process usually takes between 30 and 50 minutes.

Neurologists may recommend an EMG when a patient is experiencing thsymptoms of a neurological disorder, including muscle cramps or spasms, arm or leg pain, paralysis, or tingling, headaches, numbness, or weakness in the limbs. EMGs can diagnose (or rule out) the following conditions:

  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Peripheral nerve disorders
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Herniated discs and other spinal conditions
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • Myasthenia gravis