Is an EMG (electromyography) painful?

Thanks!

Hey @bustrbrwn22, thanks for being the acronym buster. I'm so glad you weren't afraid to ask. I actually edited the title to include electromyography. it's a good reminder to spell out medical abbreviations.

Look at us patients slinging around the acronyms. We don't like it when docs and nurses toss them around, so we should also try to spell out short forms in our messages. 🙂

I agree, it can be confusing. However, speaking for myself and my hand, arm, shoulder, head or eye pain, or some variation of such, I take short cuts, miss words or letters, in a rush to get thoughts out as pain increases from typing. Many times I push through a lot of pain to do so and that's on me. But, I'm a die hard y'all!
Rachel

Valid point @rwinney. Google can also help for people wondering about acronyms.

You may feel slight discomfort or pain while the needle is being inserted, but no reason to be afraid.

@bustrbrwn22 & @wisfloj
Based on my experience with both tests & their affective use for correct treatment options for several different diagnoses, they are worth their weight in gold. 😉
My Mayo Clinic physicians have used them to aide in successful treatment for both my seizure disorder and my carpal tunnel syndrome and I’m getting ready to repeat the tests for evaluation of the disease process. As my physicians explained to me The EMG test alone might not be as affective but when combined with other testing is extremely valuable!!

Here is a great link for information on electromyography (EMG) & Nerve conduction study (NCS)
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/emg/about/pac-20393913
EMG Electromyography – is an essential tool in the diagnostic evaluation of peripheral neurological disorders. Unfortunately the nature of the test, its utility and its limitations are not always clear to many physicians but more valuable when used in combination with other test.

Electromyography (EMG) is composed of two subtests: the nerve conduction study and the needle electrode examination. Each provides different information about the peripheral nervous system, which when analyzed together allows for a diagnostic conclusion.

Electroencephalography (EEG) is an electrophysiological monitoring method to record electrical activity of the brain. It is typically noninvasive, with the electrodes placed along the scalp, although invasive electrodes are sometimes used, as in electrocorticography, sometimes called intracranial EEG. NOW an Electromyography EMG combined with the Electroencephalography EEG is vary valuable in diagnosing seizure disorders and it’s progression over time.

As for why do the testing - frankly many insurance companies will not pay for treatment options if the tests are not done to confirm diagnosis. Clearly if you are not wanting treatment then testing will not be valuable but then again why see a doctor if you are not going to follow through with a treatment.

Prayers for healing & guidance as you maneuver your way through to a diagnosis.

Dawn

Hi wisfloj @wisfloj. I'm a polio survivor and over the last fifteen years have had several of each (EMG's and NCS) done from locally to one done at Mayo Clinic. While I can't say they were fun. I CAN say they weren't bad at all, and really helped with the diagnosis. Please don't hesitate to go ahead and have them done if you need them. If you have a really low pain tolerance you might ask if there's something you can take beforehand to either relax you or help you be more comfortable.