Electromyography (EMG)

What is electromyography?

What is EMG? Electromyography (EMG) is a non-invasive procedure that allows the evaluation of peripheral nerves and muscle activity and is useful in establishing the diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders.

At Centrokinetic, this procedure is performed by Dr. Bogdan Rotaru and Dr. Adina Matei, within the Department of Neurological Rehabilitation. It covers an area of ​​120 square meters and holds the latest equipment, which meets the needs of our patients and is necessary for optimal treatment.

The electromyographic examination consists of two parts. It is not mandatory for the doctor to perform both investigations, their need depending on the patient's condition. Both tests are well tolerated by most patients, causing only minor discomfort, and do not pose significant risks to subsequent health. The discomfort is caused by the application of electric current and depends on the parameters of the current.

The first part of the procedure is electroneurography, i.e. the study of nerve conduction, and involves stimulating the nerves by a small electrical discharge at various points along their path. The doctor applies small electrodes (for example, small metal disks that stick to the skin) or electrode needles (thin needles), usually on the hand and foot, and applies a small electric shock to the skin in another area of ​​the member where the recording is made. The sensation may or may not be painful. Because each member has several nerves that require evaluation, the procedure will be repeated 3, 4, or more times. Along the way, the test will be interrupted several times to allow the doctor to make measurements and calculate. 

The second part of the procedure is the electromyography itself, i.e. the muscular examination with a needle, and is performed by inserting a thin, disposable needle in certain muscles. Although the examination is considered invasive, the discomfort created by the sting is minimal. The needle contains a microscopic electrode that records the normal or abnormal electrical activity of the muscle fibers. The needle is inserted into the relaxed muscle and moved slightly to record muscle activity at rest, then the doctor asks the patient to tension the muscle to evaluate it when active. The needle has only a recording role, through which no electric shocks or intramuscular injections are administered. Because there is minimal risk of bleeding, needle examination can only be done in patients who are NOT on anticoagulant therapy and who do NOT have a significant risk of bleeding.

How long does the EMG exam last

The examination usually takes between 30 and 90 minutes. The time required for the examination cannot be determined before the start of the procedure.

Preparing for EMG

In some cases, we recommend you to limit the consumption of cigarettes and caffeinated beverages two to three hours before testing. You can eat before testing.

We recommend you to stop using lotions or oils on the skin for a few days before the procedure, or at least on the day of the exam. 

The doctor should be informed about any medications (with or without a prescription) and herbal supplements taken, because in this situation, the needle examination may lead to bleeding inside the muscles. Do not use lotions or oils on the skin for a few days before the procedure, or at least do not use them on the day of the exam.

This investigation may cause the pacemaker or Holter to malfunction.

After the EMG exam, you can resume your normal daily activity. Any discomfort after the examination should disappear completely in 24-48 hours. For faster relief, warm compresses can be applied locally, and mild painkillers (Paracetamol, Algocalmin) can be used.

EMG does not affect driving.

Understanding of EMG Results

The results of this analysis will also be interpreted in the Neurology Department of our clinic. Following this test, the doctor will determine with the help of the obtained data if there is a neuromuscular condition at the examined level. Following this interpretation and depending on the results received, the doctor will establish a treatment plan.

Prices

You can find here a detailed list of the prices of individual services. But any correct recovery process is based on a mixed plan of therapies and procedures, customized according to the condition, stage of the condition, patient profile, and other objective medical factors. As a result, in order to configure a treatment plan, with the therapies involved and the prices related to the plan, please make an appointment here for an initial consultation.

About Centrokinetic

Centrokinetic clinic offers all services necessary for a complete rehabilitation process, from the first consultation to the medical specialist to establish the correct diagnosis, to treatment and recovery.

Centrokinetic is the place where you will find clear answers and solutions for your motricity problems. The clinic is dedicated to osteoarticular conditions and is divided into the following departments:

• Orthopedics, a department composed of an extremely experienced team of orthopedic doctors, led by Dr. Andrei Ioan Bogdan, primary care physician in orthopedics-traumatology, with surgical activity at Medlife Orthopedic Hospital, specialized in sports traumatology and ankle and foot surgery.
• Pediatric orthopedics, where children's sports conditions are treated (ligament and meniscus injuries), spinal deformities (scoliosis, kyphosis, hyperlordosis) and those of the feet (hallux valgus, hallux rigidus, equine larynx, flat valgus, hollow foot).
• Neurology, which has an ultra-performing department, where consultations, electroencephalograms (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) are performed. 
• Medical recovery  for adults and  children, department specialized in the recovery of performance athletes, in spinal disorders, in the recovery of children with neurological and traumatic diseases. Our experience is extremely rich, treating over 5000 performance athletes.
• Medical imaging, the clinic being equipped with ultrasound and MRI, high-performance devices dedicated to musculoskeletal disorders, and complemented by an experienced team of radiologists: Dr. Sorin Ghiea and Dr. Cosmin Pantu, specialized in musculoskeletal imaging.

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