What are electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies?

Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies are tests, which measure the electrical activity of muscles and nerves.

Nerves send out electrical signals to make your muscles react in certain ways and these tests can measure these signals.

• An EMG test records the electrical signals muscles create both when at rest and when being used.

• A nerve conduction study measures how fast and how well electrical signals travel down nerves.

EMG tests and nerve conduction studies can both help determine if a neurological disorder exists in the muscles, nerves or both. These tests can be done separately but are usually done at the same time.

These tests may also be referred to as an electrodiagnostic study, EMG test, electromyogram, NCS or nerve conduction velocity (NCV).