How to prepare for an EMG test?
The test is minimally invasive and does not require special preparation.
However, it is recommended that before it is performed, the patient thoroughly washed the examined body part with water. with soap.
Do not use creams, ointments, emulsions, balms, oils, etc. on the skin.,
as this will make it difficult to stick the electrodes.
For the examination, you should wear clothes with loose sleeves and trouser legs that can be easily rolled up during the examination of the limbs, and metal elements, e.g. jewelry, should also be removed from the examined area.
The examination is performed in the supine position.
The duration of the examination depends on the number of nerves and/or muscles examined. In most cases, the examination time does not exceed 30 minutes.
The patient can return immediately after leaving the laboratory. for normal, everyday activity.
The patient must inform the doctor about the medications he takes!!!
Some of them may significantly influence the test result.
You can take all prescribed medications as normal before the test.
Only in the case of a needle examination people taking oral anticoagulants such asAcenocumarol, Warfin, Xarelto should replace them with low molecular weight heparin at least 3 days before the examination, of course with the prior consent of the attending physician.
The person performing the test should also be informed about the use of aspirin.
In the case of a myasthenic trial, it is advisable to discontinue drugs used to treat myasthenia gravis (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors such as neostigmine and pyridostigmine; trade names of the drugs:Polstigminum, Mestinon, Mytelase) for 12-24 hours, as long as the patient's health allows it.
It is important to inform your doctor about implanted medical devices, e.g cardiostimulator.
Depending on the type of such a device, it is sometimes necessary to obtain consent from a cardiologist to perform an ENG test (a relative contraindication is a cardioverter defibrillator and a unipolar pacemaker).
Extensive wounds, ulcers, dressings (especially plaster) may make it difficult to
or even prevent the full scope of the examination from being performed.
Practical information.
EMG testing is performed using flat surface electrodes glued to the skin.
Then the nerve is stimulated along its course with an electrical, felt stimulus
but safe for the patient.
The EMG test is performed using a thin, disposable needle electrode,
which is inserted into the muscle.
The referral often states in general I am asking for an EMG test,
and in fact an ENG test is performed.
An EMG test is performed when there is a request to test muscles rather than nerves.