EMG stands for Electromyogram. It is a diagnostic test that records the electrical activity of muscles and the nerves that control them.
An EMG involves inserting small, fine needles into the muscles being tested and measuring the electrical activity that occurs when the muscles are at rest and when they contract. The test can help diagnose various neuromuscular conditions, including muscular dystrophy, neuropathy, and nerve compression syndromes.
EMG is a relatively safe and well-tolerated test, but it can cause some discomfort or pain during needle insertion and muscle stimulation. The test is usually performed in a hospital or clinic by a neurologist or physiatrist who specializes in neuromuscular disorders.
Interpreting an EMG requires specialized training and expertise. The healthcare provider who performs the test usually reviews the EMG results and makes a diagnosis based on the recorded electrical activity.