When undergoing a study, it is essential to consider the precision and technique of the professional in charge, since this can significantly influence the results obtained. Lack of knowledge and skill can compromise the accuracy and validity of the results. It is crucial to look for reference centers that provide us with the guarantee of obtaining the best possible results.
What is an electromyography?
It is a diagnostic technique that allows evaluating the electrical activity of the muscles and the nerves that innervate them. Through electrodes placed on the skin or through fine needles inserted into the muscle, the electrical activity generated by muscle contraction and relaxation is recorded. These recordings are translated into signals that provide information on the functioning of the muscles and nerves involved.
When is an electromyography done?
When symptoms occur that indicate possible nerve or muscle disorders, doctors may recommend performing an electromyography. This procedure is used to evaluate the patient's condition and obtain accurate information about the functioning of their involved muscles and nerves. Some of the symptoms that may lead to the need for this study include muscle weakness, pain, numbness, cramps, or involuntary contractions.
What is an electromyography for?
Electromyography has various clinical applications and is frequently used for the diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases. such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and muscular dystrophy, among other disorders. In addition, it plays an important role in the evaluation of muscle injuries and disorders, since it allows the detection of alterations in muscle and nerve function.
Diseases detected with electromyography
This diagnostic tool allows the detection and evaluation of a wide variety of neuromuscular disorders. Among the diseases that are detected by electromyography are:
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- Polymyositis
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- Peripheral neuropathies
- Muscular dystrophies
- Myasthenia gravis
- herniated disc
How is an electromyography done?
First, electrodes are placed on the skin of the muscles or fine needles are inserted directly into the specific muscles you want to test. These electrodes or needles will allow electrical activity to be recorded. Next, nerve stimulations will be performed using controlled electrical impulses that will provide information on the speed of nerve conduction and the integrity of the nerves that innervate the muscles evaluated. Throughout the process, the responses generated will be recorded, allowing the electrical activity to be evaluated and precise information about its operation to be obtained.
How long does an electromyography take?
The duration of this study may vary depending on the number of muscles and nerves that must be evaluated and will be determined based on the specific needs and conditions of each patient.. Typically, the procedure can take between 30 minutes and 2 hours. It is important to note that in some cases multiple sessions may be necessary to obtain complete and accurate results.
Care before performing an electromyography
Before undergoing an electromyography, it is important to take certain precautions and follow medical recommendations. First of all, it is crucial to inform the doctor about any pre-existing conditions, as well as clotting disorders, allergies, medications being taken, or the possibility of pregnancy. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid using lotions or creams on the skin before the exam, as it is important to have clean skin so that the accuracy of the results is not affected.
Possible results of an electromyography
An electromyography (EMG) can provide a wide variety of results that will help healthcare professionals diagnose and evaluate various neuromuscular conditions. Within the normal results of an electromyography, adequate electrical activity of the muscles will be observed and the nerves will show adequate conduction of electrical impulses. This indicates normal and healthy functioning of the neuromuscular system.
However, in In the abnormal results of an electromyography, various alterations can be observed, such as changes in the amplitude and frequency of electrical impulses, abnormal patterns of electrical activity, reduction of nerve conduction, among others. These results may indicate the presence of neuromuscular disorders.
What are the normal values for an electromyography?
Normal values for this study may vary depending on the muscle or nerve being evaluated. Typically, normal values show typical electrical activity patterns and an appropriate response to stimuli.
Abnormal electromyography results
In the presence of abnormal values in an electromyography, different neuromuscular problems may be indicated. Some of the abnormal results that can be found are:
- Changes in electrical activity: abnormal patterns of physical activity can be detected, such as an increase or decrease in amplitude, and alterations in frequency that indicate muscle or nerve damage, treating us for nerve conduction or neuromuscular diseases.
- Reduced nerve conduction velocity: This result may indicate nerve injury or compression.
- Nerve conduction block or interruption: A partial or complete interruption of nerve conduction may indicate severe nerve damage.
- Muscle weakness or denervation: it is possible to detect these problems since the results will show a decrease in the amplitude of muscle responses or absence of electrical activity in the muscles evaluated.
It is extremely important to keep in mind that the interpretation of the results must be carried out by a specialized medical professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Where to have an electromyography in Madrid?
If you are looking for where to have an electromyography, in ICAC We are here to help you. We have a specialized and highly trained medical team that will provide a precise result, and will be at your disposal to answer all your questions, providing you with the necessary support at all times.
Do not hesitate to contact us and request an appointment so that we can advise you and accompany you both in carrying out the study and in evaluating the results.
8 thoughts on “Electromiografía: un estudio clave para detectar enfermedades neuromusculares”
Good evening, I need to have an electromyogram because I suffer from cauda equina syndrome. After being operated on, I still have no sensitivity in my leg, partly affected by defecation and urination (difficulty carrying them out.) I would need information on price.
Thank you
Hello Maria Victoria,
Please contact us by phone at 91 005 39 00 so that we can give you all the information.
Greetings
Hello, last year I started having stiffness in my head and upper body. In the morning I woke up like a board and couldn't move anything with terrible pain. They had to get me out of bed and I walked like a rock, step by step and crying with pain. So 2 months! They did tests and detected (rheumatic fibromyalgia). Prednisone. I think I have illness. Rigid Person.
Hello Hilde,
Thanks for sharing your experience. It is best to perform all possible tests to rule out other pathologies.
Greetings
To know if I have Rigid Person's disease, I do a lot of exercises and now take 5 mg Prednisone. They sent me to Rheumatology, I no longer have inflammation, but without my medication the stiffness begins. Also on the left side, palate and jaw, as if asleep and without taste. What part of the body do you recommend for the Electronic Gram test? Thank you.
Hello Hilde,
To give you exact medical instructions, it would be best to see you in consultation. This way we could know your symptoms, medical history, review the tests already performed and, from there, make decisions about how to continue your treatment.
Greetings
Hello, I recently had an electromyography of my upper and lower body performed, as I have pain in my hands, arms, hips, neck... What I didn't understand is that they performed it in 8 minutes... when I had been told that it usually takes at least 30 minutes, depending on the number of areas of the body being studied... This doctor arrived half an hour late and I don't know if that's why... so little time to evaluate... How do I know if the results he gave me are correct? In such a short time, can you see if there is muscle or nerve damage?
Hello Ana,
The duration of the EMG test can vary depending on the areas being evaluated and the type of study (nerve conduction, resting and contracted muscle activity, etc.). While some tests may be shorter if they focus on very specific areas, a duration of 8 minutes for multiple areas may be short.
In these cases, it would be ideal to have a specialist review the report and assess whether the study was complete and sufficient. You can also request a second opinion or even repeat the test if symptoms persist and the diagnosis is unclear.
Greetings.