EMG

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EMG

Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure to assess the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them (motor neurons). EMG results can reveal nerve dysfunction, muscle dysfunction or problems with nerve-to-muscle signal transmission.

Pronunciation

Electromyography: /ɪˌlɛktrəʊmaɪˈɒɡrəfi/

Etymology

The term "Electromyography" is derived from the Greek words "electron" meaning amber (the substance from which the first static electricity was derived), "mys" meaning muscle, and "graphia" meaning writing.

Procedure

An EMG uses tiny devices called electrodes to transmit or detect electrical signals. During a needle EMG, a needle electrode inserted directly into a muscle records the electrical activity in that muscle. A nerve conduction study, another part of an EMG, uses electrode stickers applied to the skin (surface electrodes) to measure the speed and strength of signals traveling between two or more points.

Related Terms

  • Electrode: A conductor through which electricity enters or leaves an object, substance, or region.
  • Motor Neuron: A nerve cell forming part of a pathway along which impulses pass from the brain or spinal cord to a muscle or gland.
  • Nerve Conduction Study: A test commonly used to evaluate the function, especially the ability of electrical conduction, of the motor and sensory nerves of the human body.
  • Diagnostic Procedure: A type of procedure used in medicine to identify a specific disease or condition.

See Also

External links

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