EMG and nerve conduction study EMG / NCS
Mild electrical stimulation along nerve pathways with recording of the response; the EMG part uses a fine needle in the muscle.
What it can show
Which nerve is affected, at which segment, and whether muscle has lost its nerve supply.
What it cannot show
Does not assess the very small nerve fibres causing burning pain, and does not replace MRI when spinal compression is suspected.
This is the half people skip. A normal result answers one question, not every question.
Tell the staff before you start
Blood thinners · pacemaker · bleeding disorders · lymphoedema in the limb to be tested.
Also bring the full list of every medicine and supplement you take. Things bought without a prescription belong on that list too.