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Electromyogram (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies - Results
About this test
Your doctor may be able to tell you about some of the results of your nerve studies right after the tests. A full report may take 2 to 3 days.
Normal: | The EMG recording shows no electrical activity when the muscle is at rest. There is a smooth, wavy line on the recording with each muscle contraction. |
|---|---|
The nerve conduction studies show that the nerves send electrical impulses to the muscles or along the sensory nerves at normal speeds, or conduction velocities. Sensory nerves allow the brain to feel pain, touch, temperature, and vibration. Different nerves have different normal conduction velocities. Nerve conduction velocities generally get slower as a person gets older. | |
Abnormal: | Electrical activity in a muscle at rest shows that there may be a problem with the nerve supply to the muscle. Abnormal wave lines when a muscle contracts may mean a muscle or nerve problem, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), post-polio syndrome, inflammation, or other muscle problems. |
In nerve conduction studies, the speed of nerve impulses is slower than what is normal for that nerve. Slower speeds may be caused by injury to a nerve or group of nerves. Nerve conduction velocities generally get slower as a person gets older. |
The results from EMG and nerve conduction studies are used along with your medical history, symptoms, physical and neurological exams, and the results of other tests to help your doctor find out what the problem is or see how a disease is changing.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: March 1, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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