Electromyogram / Nerve Conduction Test
Your doctor has sent a request for you to have an EMG/NCS test in the Clinical Neurophysiology Department at Dorset County Hospital. If you cannot attend any appointment you have been given, please contact us on 01305 255255 so the time can be allocated to another person.
Patient information sheet – please complete and bring to your appointment
| Patient’s name: Address: Date of birth: Telephone number: GP: Known medical conditions: Known allergies: | Current medication Do you have a cardiac pacemaker or similar device? Yes / No Do you take an anticoagulant to think your blood? Yes / No If you have answered yes to either questions, please telephone the department. |
| Next of Kin name: Partner / relative: (Specify) address: Telephone number: | Attached test description (below) has been read: YES/NO This leaflet gives information and advice relevant to the test. It is important that you read it before attending your appointment. |
| Escort details Name: Relationship (for example partner/relative): | Escorts We understand that you may wish to bring a family member/advocate to the appointment for support. We are happy to accommodate where appropriate, and will confirm that you are happy for that person to be present as we may need to discuss medical history. However In the interest of the test we only permit one additional person into the recording room. It is not advisable to bring children to the appointment. |
What is a nerve conduction study (NCS)?
It is a test to measure how quickly nerve impulses travel, using small electrical pulses on the surface of the skin. It can help to find out if a nerve is trapped or damaged.
What is an electromyogram (EMG)?
It is an assessment of muscle function carried out by listening to and recording the natural electrical activity within muscles.
How long does it take?
The test usually takes between 45 and 60 minutes in total but it is difficult to predict exactly how long it will be for everyone. We will decide exactly which nerves and muscles to test when you come.
Pacemakers and defibrillators
The test may affect cardiac pacemakers or defibrillators and therefore we need to make additional arrangements for your test to be carried out.
Anticoagulant medication
It may not be possible to use a needle during the test if you take an Anticoagulant to thin your blood. We may need to liaise with the doctor who referred you, before any appointment can be confirmed. For those taking Warfarin we usually like to know your latest INR reading too.
It is very important to inform us if you have a cardiac pacemaker or if you take an Anticoagulant to thin your blood. If you do not let us know your test may be cancelled when you arrive.
Do NOT stop taking any regular medications for this investigation, express instructions will be given if/when this is required.
Please telephone immediately on 01305 255255.
What should I do before I come?
- Please ensure your skin is clean and dry. Do not use any kind of hand cream, lotion or moisturiser for at least 48 hours beforehand.
- Keep as warm as you can, using gloves and warm clothes as necessary
- Wear something loose and comfortable; sleeves/trousers should not be tight
- Do not stop taking any medication prescribed by your doctor unless you have specifically been told to do so.
Do I need to undress?
You may be asked to remove items of clothing, especially if your sleeves/trousers are tight. You may be asked to remove watches. Wedding rings are usually fine but if you wear lots of rings or bracelets it is helpful to take any that are easily removed off before the appointment.
Why do I need to be warm?
NCS tests are only accurate if you are warm enough. We will check your limb temperature and may need warm your hands and/or feet when you are in the waiting area/clinic room.
What happens at the appointment?
A consultant neurophysiologist and/or a clinical physiologist will perform the test. You are asked sit or lie on a couch while several small electrodes are placed on your skin. Then small electrical pulses are used to test different nerves. It feels like a sharp tingling or tapping sensation and may make your muscles twitch. If you have EMG testing a fine needle is gently inserted in a muscle to listen to the natural electrical activity which occurs when you move the muscle. Then you are asked to move in a certain way to contract that particular muscle, but there are no electrical pulses. On average about a quarter of patients require EMG (we may be able to advise you if that is a possibility after you have been allocated to clinic).
Will it hurt?
The electrical nerve tests or nerve conduction studies feel like little electrical shocks. Most people will find these a bit uncomfortable but will be able to tolerate it okay. Many people who have used a TENS machine say the feeling is very similar. The needle tests are also a bit uncomfortable but usually quite tolerable as the needles used are very thin like acupuncture needles. If there is anything that you feel is too uncomfortable let the doctor know. Tests will be done in a different way or even stopped if you find them too uncomfortable. The consultant/clinical physiologist performing the tests should try to always minimise your discomfort but needs to do enough to try to come to a diagnosis.
Can I drive?
The test will not affect your ability to drive.
When will I get my results?
Results are sent to the clinician who referred you for the test. This usually takes approximately three weeks.
Contact us
Please phone the department on 01305 255255 if you have any further questions.
About this leaflet
Author: Allison Tate, Claire Bracey
Written: July 2022
Approved: July 2022
Review date: 2025
Edition: v1
If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk
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