Electromyography consists of an examination that assesses muscle function and diagnoses nervous or muscular problems, based on the electrical signals that the muscles release, enabling the collection of information about muscle activity, through electrodes connected to equipment, which record the signals.
This is a non-invasive method, which can be done in health clinics, by a health professional and has a duration of about 30 minutes.
What is it for
Electromyography is a technique that serves to identify the muscles that are used in a given movement, the level of muscle activation during the execution of the movement, the intensity and duration of the muscular request or to evaluate muscle fatigue.
This test is usually performed when the person complains of symptoms, such as tingling, muscle weakness, muscle pain, cramps, involuntary movements or muscle paralysis, for example, which can be caused by different nervous diseases.
How the exam is done
The exam lasts about 30 minutes and is performed with the person lying down or sitting, and an electromyograph is used, which is usually attached to a computer and electrodes.
The electrodes are placed as close as possible to the muscle to be evaluated, which adhere easily to the skin, so that its ionic current can be captured. The electrodes can also be in needle, which are more used to assess muscle activity at rest or during muscle contraction.
After placing the electrodes, the person may be asked to perform certain movements in order to assess the response of the muscles when the nerves are stimulated. In addition, some electrical nerve stimulation can still be done.
How to prepare for the exam
Before performing the exam, the person should not apply products on the skin, such as creams, lotions or ointments, so that there is no interference with the exam and so that the electrodes adhere easily to the skin. Rings, bracelets, watches and other metallic objects should also be removed.
In addition, if the person is taking medication, he / she should inform the doctor, as it may be necessary to temporarily interrupt the treatment, about 3 days before the examination, as in cases where the person is taking anticoagulants or anti-platelet aggregators.
Possible side effects
Electromyography is generally a well-tolerated technique, however, when needle electrodes are used, it can cause some discomfort and the muscles can be sore, and bruises can appear for a few days after the exam.
In addition, although it is very rare, bleeding or infection may occur in the region where the electrodes are inserted.
