Electroneuromyography (ENMG) is a test that evaluates the presence of nerve and muscle injuries, such as diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, diabetic neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, or Guillain-Barré disease, for example important to help your doctor confirm the diagnosis and plan for the best treatment.
This test records the conduction of an electrical impulse in a nerve and evaluates muscle activity during a given movement and, in general, the lower or upper limbs, such as the legs or arms, are evaluated.
The test is done in 2 stages
The electroneuromyography exam is performed by the doctor and is available in specialized hospitals or clinics, this review is performed by the SUS without charge and covered by some health plans, or can be done privately, for a price of about 300 reais, which can be quite variable depending on where it is performed.
Electroneuromyography may be used to diagnose certain diseases related to nerve impulses or electrical activity of muscles to plan appropriate treatment; in some cases, it may also be helpful in assessing the course of the disease.
The electromyogram is not the standard test for the diagnosis of nerve and muscle diseases, however, its result is interpreted according to the patient’s medical history and the results of neurological examinations.
The electroneuromyography exam studies the functioning of nerves and muscles, which can be modified in situations such as:
With the information obtained during the exam, your doctor will be able to confirm the diagnosis, indicate the best forms of treatment or, in some cases, monitor the severity and progression of the disease.
To perform electroneuromymography, it is recommended to go to the well-fed exam site and wear loose or easy-to-remove clothing, such as skirts or shorts, no oils or moisturizers should be used within 24 hours of the test, as these cosmetics can make the electrodes more resistant.
It is important to tell your doctor if you are using medications, as some, such as blood thinners, may interfere with or contraindicate the test and if you have a pacemaker if you have blood disorders, such as hemophilia.
In addition, it is important to remember that electroneuromyography is usually performed on both sides (both legs or arms), as it is important to compare changes between the affected side and the healthy side.
There are no permanent effects after the exam, so it is possible to resume daily activities normally.
Electroneuromyography poses no health risk, however, it is contraindicated for people who use pacemakers or who use anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin, marevan or rivaroxaban, for example, in these cases the doctor should be informed, who will assess the contraindication or what the type of treatment can be performed.
There are absolute contraindications for the examination, namely: the lack of cooperation of the patient to carry out the examination, the refusal of the patient to perform the procedure and the presence of injuries at the place where the investigation would be carried out.
Electroneuromyography testing is safe in most cases, but there may be situations where the procedure may present a risk, such as:
The additional importance of informing your doctor if you have any of the conditions under which this is considered a risk, in addition to the use of medications to reduce the risk of complications.