FOR PATIENTS
What to expect at your appointment
Nerve conduction studies and EMG are well-tolerated outpatient tests. This page explains what happens before, during and after your appointment.
Before your appointment
Bring along or wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to the limb being examined; short sleeves and shorts are helpful. Hospital gowns are also available if required.
Please avoid applying moisturiser or cream to your hands, arms or legs on the day, as this can interfere with the recordings. Cold hands and feet can also affect the measurements, so keep warm if possible on the way to the clinic.
Continue your usual medications. Please let the clinic know in advance if you take anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medication, or if you have a pacemaker, implanted defibrillator or other implanted stimulator - the study can usually still proceed, but the technique may be adjusted.
There is no need to fast, and you can drive to and from the appointment as normal.
During the study
Each appointment begins with a brief, focused discussion of your symptoms, and the study is explained before it begins.
Nerve conduction studies (NCS) measure how well the nerves conduct electrical signals. Small recording electrodes are placed on the skin, and the nerves are stimulated with brief, small electrical pulses. These produce a short tapping or tingling sensation which most people find odd rather than painful, and are usually very well tolerated.
Electromyography (EMG) is required in some cases. A fine needle electrode is inserted into selected muscles to record their electrical activity, both at rest and during gentle contraction. No electrical impulses are delivered through the needle. There may be brief discomfort as the needle is inserted, similar to an injection, and occasionally mild aching and minor bruising afterwards.
Which nerves and muscles are tested depends on the clinical question; the study is tailored during the appointment as the findings emerge. Most appointments take around 30 minutes.
Further information on the NCS/EMG procedure can be found here
After the study
You can return to normal activities, including driving and work, straight away. If EMG has been performed, there may occasionally be minor bruising at needle sites.
The findings are usually discussed with you at the time of the appointment, and the full report are will be sent back to your referring clinician, typically within 7 working days.