Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies are nerve conduction studies that help us determine if a patient has muscle weakness or significant sensory impairment due to slight changes in flexibility, tone, or hypertrophy.<br />To perform muscle surgery, the doctor inserts a small needle into the muscle to conduct electrical stimulation while the muscle is working.<br />To monitor nerve conduction studies, the doctor uses transdermal devices or needles to deliver small electrical shocks to different nerves to determine how well the surgical procedure is working.<br />He or she may consider performing an EMG, nerve conduction study, or both if a person is experiencing symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or weakness. These symptoms can be caused by a variety of problems in different parts of the body. An electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction study can help determine whether symptoms are caused by neurological or muscular problems, such as:<br />Spastic dystrophy<br />Carpal tunnel syndrome<br />Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)<br /><br />What happens during an EMG or nerve conduction study?<br />During an EMG:<br />The doctor arranges the needles in the muscle.<br />The doctor records a wire recording of the muscle during activity and at rest.<br />During a neurological study:<br />The doctor places a sensitive patch on the skin over the characteristic features being examined.<br />The doctor stimulates symptoms of the disease with a small electric shock.<br />The device measures the transmission of electrical impulses through the muscle.