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Pathology Test |
what is an emg nerve test?
(April 14, 2010)
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In medical terms, EMG stands for Electromyogram. An electromyogram is a study done to test the conductivity of electric signals in the nerves. The nervous system is responsible for transmitting information from various sensory organs to the brain for processing. Nerves also send impulses to the muscles in order to make them contract or expand. This is the basis of any motor movement in the body. Some nerve impulses are involuntary such as the beating of the heart and breathing. Voluntary movements are any type of movement that we perform knowingly. An electromyogram can thus be used to detect the nerve impulses which are low voltage electrical currents passed through the nerves to various parts of the body. The electromyogram test could be used in order to detect any abnormality in the electrical impulses that are being passed to the muscles. Some people might be suffering from nerve damage or from some other issue that is causing improper functioning of the muscles. Disorders such as tremors may be caused by nerve problems. This type of test can diagnose all these problems.
An electromyogram test can also be used to diagnose blockages occurring in the electrical impulses being sent. Many people who suffer from spinal issues may lack mobility or have sensory problems in their extremities. An electromyogram test can check where the signals are being lost. Abnormal nerve functioning can occur due to pinching of nerves, muscle inflammation, deformation of the muscles and also due to damage or degeneration of the nervous system.
An electromyogram test is used on the body extremities in most cases. The arms and legs can be tested using such a procedure. The procedure is an intramuscular procedure and involves the insertion of a probe into the muscle that is being tested. For example, if a doctor wishes to test the movement in a leg, the probe may be installed in the leg and the patient subsequently asked to move the leg. This movement command from the brain generates an electrical signal which is picked up by the probe. A succession of probes around the area may give a better idea of the functioning of the nervous system in that area. Usually an oscilloscope is used in order to check the electric impulses in the form of waves plotted on a graph. The frequency of these waves gives the doctor an accurate idea of the conductivity of electricity through the nerves in that particular area.
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Submitted by M T on April 14, 2010 at 12:26
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