A thin metal needle is inserted through the skin into one muscle at a time to record the electrical activity in the muscle. It usually takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on the number of muscles to be tested. EMG can also be helpful in identifying the muscle group that is most likely to provide useful information on biopsy.Īn EMG can be done in a doctor’s office, hospital, or lab. The test gathers information about both the muscular and nervous systems and is most helpful in determining if muscle weakness and pain are caused by muscle disease or nerve disease. If you still have questions after your doctor has explained your MRI results, be sure to ask.Įlectromyogram (EMG) is a test that measures the activity of the muscles. MRI scans are interpreted by specially trained physicians and the results reported to your doctor who will discuss them with you. The technician will let you know how to signal staff if you feel you need to come out of the scanner for any reason. If you are claustrophobic or anxious, you may want to ask for a mild sedative before the procedure starts.

During the procedure, you will hear loud clicking noises. The procedure requires that you lay very still inside a tunnel-like tube for 30-90 minutes. You may be asked to wear a gown during the procedure. Do not wear jewelry, but do wear loose, comfortable clothing. Unless you are told otherwise, you should continue taking your regular medications. Most orthopedic implants pose no risk, but you should always tell the technician performing the procedure if you have any devices or metal in your body.

The magnetic field is not harmful, but it may cause some medical devices, such as pacemakers or insulin pumps, to malfunction. MRI does not use the kind of ionizing radiation used in x-rays or CT scans, so there is no danger of excessive radiation exposure. MRI scans of muscles are especially useful in helping the physician identify the best site to perform a muscle biopsy. The level of detail in MRI images allows the physician to more accurately evaluate these structures to determine the presence of certain factors, such as inflammation, that are related to disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive scanning technology that uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to generate digital images of organs, soft tissues, bones, and other internal body structures.

Nerve pain after emg test