Electromyography is a test that evaluates muscle function and diagnoses nerve or muscle problems, based on the electrical signals that release the muscles, allowing information about muscle activity to be collected through electrodes connected to electrodes.team, which records signals.
It is a non-invasive method, which can be performed in health clinics by a healthcare professional and lasts about 30 minutes.
- Electromyography is a technique used to identify the muscles used in a given movement.
- The level of muscle activation during movement execution.
- The intensity and duration of muscle demand or to evaluate muscle fatigue.
This test is usually done when the person complains of symptoms, such as tingling, muscle weakness, muscle pain, cramps, involuntary movements, or muscle paralysis, for example, that can be caused by various nerve diseases.
The exam takes about 30 minutes and is done with the person lying down or sitting, using an electromyograph, which is usually attached to a computer and electrodes.
The electrodes are placed as close as possible to the muscle to be evaluated, which easily adheres to the skin, so that its ion current can be picked up.Electrodes may also be punctured, which are most commonly used to evaluate resting muscle activity or during muscle contraction.
After the electrodes are placed, the person may be asked to perform certain movements to evaluate the response of the muscles when the nerves are stimulated.In addition, some electrical nerve stimulation can still be performed.
Before performing the test, the person should not apply any products, such as creams, lotions or ointments, to the skin so that there is no interference with the test and the electrodes adhere easily to the skin. Rings, bracelets, watches, and other metal objects should also be removed.
Also, if the person is taking medication, they should inform the doctor, as it may be necessary to temporarily interrupt the treatment, approximately 3 days before the test, as in cases where the person is taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet aggregators.
Electromyography is generally a well-tolerated technique, however, when needle electrodes are used, it can cause some discomfort and muscles can be painful and bruising may occur for a few days after the test.
In addition, although very rare, bleeding or infections can occur in the area where the electrodes are inserted.