Electromyography

Electromyography (EMG) is a specialised discipline that deals with the clinical and neurophysiological evaluation of neuromuscular pathology and certain aspects of Central Nervous System (CNS) pathology. In this sense, electromyography is an extension and deepening of clinical neurological diagnosis and uses the same principles of topographical localisation.

Electromyography records and analyses the electrical activity generated in the nerves and muscles using superficial electrical stimuli and, if necessary, intramuscular testing using a small needle with a built-in electrode for analysis. No prior preparation is necessary, although the patient should inform the specialist if they are pregnant, have a pacemaker or are taking anticoagulants. The patient should also provide any previous electromyograms, if available.

EMG. Electromyography

Electromyography is a test in which each patient requires an individualised study strategy based on their clinical presentation. Different techniques are used in the laboratory to: distinguish between lesions of the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS) in neuromuscular pathology; locate and assess different types of lesions; specifically: lesions of the motor neuron of the anterior horn or trunk (motor neuron diseases) and of the neurons of the posterior spinal ganglion (sensory neuron diseases), lesions of the motor or sensory roots (radiculopathies), of the plexuses (plexopathies) and of the nerve trunks (trunk lesions), neuromuscular transmission disorders, including a distinction between presynaptic and postsynaptic disorders, primary disorders of the skeletal muscle (myopathies); finally, a series of techniques that explore the function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and its disorders.

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