EMG Specialist
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The Belinga Clinic
Neurologists located in Fort Smith, AR
Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure that can help determine the cause of muscle cramps, numbness, tingling, or unexplained paralysis. Steve-Felix Belinga, MD, and his exceptional team at The Belinga Clinic use EMG to diagnose a range of conditions, including neuropathy, herniated discs, and muscular dystrophy. To schedule an EMG, call the clinic in Fort Smith, Arkansas, or request an appointment online.
EMG Q & A
What is an EMG?
Electromyography (EMG) measures and records the activity of motor neurons, the nerves that contract and relax your muscles. This minimally invasive procedure uses a needle electrode that’s inserted into muscle tissue to record electrical activity along the nerves.
Oftentimes an EMG includes a nerve conduction velocity test (NCV), in which electrodes on the surface of the skin measure electrical activity between two or more locations.
Dr. Belinga uses EMG to evaluate muscle and nerve symptoms and to help diagnose the underlying cause of those symptoms.
Why would I have an EMG?
Dr. Belinga might recommend an EMG if you're having symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and muscle cramping.
Some of the conditions that an EMG can help identify include:
- Muscle disorders, such as muscular dystrophy
- Myasthenia gravis
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Herniated discs
Dr. Belinga may also suggest an EMG if you have unexplained limb pain or paralysis, or if he suspects you may have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
How should I prepare for an EMG?
Before your EMG, Dr. Belinga gives you detailed instructions for preparation. He may ask you to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, for a short time before your appointment.
Be sure the doctor and EMG technician know if you have hemophilia or if you have a pacemaker or any other type of implanted medical device.
What should I expect during an EMG?
An EMG typically takes about an hour to complete. For the needle electrode test, your technician carefully inserts one or more needles into muscles in the area where you have symptoms. You might feel a slight pinch, but once the needles have been placed they should feel tolerable.
Your technician may ask you to contract and release your muscle a few times to measure electrical impulses during both activities.
During the NCV part of the test, you rest comfortably on a table while Dr. Belinga or a technician places the electrodes on your skin in the target area. You might feel some slight electrical twinges while the electrodes record electrical nerve activity.
If tingling, numbness, or cramping in your muscles concerns you, schedule an EMG at The Belinga Clinic. Call the clinic or make an appointment online today.
