There’s a small risk of bleeding, infection and nerve injury where a needle electrode is inserted. You may develop small bruises or swelling where the needle was inserted. After EMG testing, you may feel a tingling sensation for a couple of days. Afterward, you may be given a pain reliever if you have any soreness. How do you feel after a EMG test?Īn EMG usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. The test can evaluate nerve and muscle diseases and conditions including: ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and myasthenia gravis. This includes stiffness, weakness, spasticity, numbness, tingling or pain. Your doctor may recommend a nerve conduction test to find the cause of muscle or nerve symptoms. Why would a doctor order a nerve conduction test? Special steps will need to be taken before the test if you have one of these devices. Tell your doctor if you have a cardiac defibrillator or pacemaker. Being too cold or too warm alters nerve conduction and can give false results. You must stay at a normal body temperature. A buzzing sensation that feels like a mild electrical shock.Sharp pains in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.Regularly dropping objects that you’re holding.Muscle weakness, especially in your arms or legs.Feeling like you’re wearing a tight glove or sock.Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.Wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t obstruct the area that your doctor will be evaluating.Don’t apply any lotions or creams after washing. Bathe or take a shower to remove any oils from the skin.Avoid smoking for at least three hours before the procedure.You will not be able to drive for about 24 hours if you had sedation because you will still be drowsy.

Your team will apply warm compresses to your injection sites to reduce pain. You may need to stay in the outpatient facility or hospital for a short period after your EMG. Plan on resuming normal activities after the procedure. You need to be awake for the procedure, so whatever you take should allow you to be relaxed and not asleep. In some cases, nerves may be tested in multiple locations, which can make the procedure take slightly longer. The entire procedure usually takes about 20-30 minutes to complete. This may feel uncomfortable, but it usually isn’t painful. It depends on how many nerves and muscles your doctor tests. Nerve conduction tests may take from 15 minutes to 1 hour or more.

Pain after emg test