Do you know about electromyography, which allows muscles to "speak"?

Everyone is familiar with electrocardiogram and electroencephalogram, but when the doctor says "let's do an electromyogram", a lot of questions pop up in your head??? What is an electromyogram? Why do we need an electromyogram? Does it hurt to do an electromyogram?

To answer everyone’s questions, today we will reveal the secret of this magical tool that makes muscles “speak” - electromyography!

1. What is electromyography?

Electromyography is an electrophysiological diagnostic technology currently widely used in clinical practice. It is an objective means of diagnosing and differentiating neuromuscular diseases and neuromuscular junction lesions , and cannot be replaced by any other examination.

Because, whether it is perceiving the body's sensations or controlling the movements of the limbs, it is all accomplished through nerve conduction, and this nerve conduction is achieved through tiny "bioelectricity" on the nerves and muscles. The electromyogram determines the specific location of the lesion by detecting the speed at which the "bioelectricity" "travels" on the nerves.

2. What is the significance of electromyography examination?

Just like an electrician uses an electric pen to find a damaged circuit , doctors can also find the location of nerve damage through the conduction of electrodes , determine its type, and perform precise treatment. It is now widely used in neurology, endocrinology, rehabilitation, orthopedics, neurosurgery, etc.

3. In what situations should electromyography be performed?

1. Symptoms such as abnormal sensation (numbness, ants crawling, insects crawling, pain, fever, electric shock, etc.) or weakness in one or more limbs, which may be a peripheral nerve disease ;

2. Screening for chronic diseases of diabetes ;

3. When the limbs cannot move freely due to trauma;

4. It is impossible to determine whether it is central nervous system damage or peripheral nervous system damage .

4. Is electromyography examination painful?

The nerve conduction velocity measurement conducted by Yueyang County People's Hospital is a non-invasive test . During the test, as the amount of electrical stimulation increases, there may be a feeling of soreness, numbness, and vibration , which most people can tolerate.

Kind tips

★ The electromyography examination takes a long time, lasting 0.5-1 hour depending on the complexity of the condition. It is not recommended to be examined on an empty stomach;

★ Soak your hands and feet in warm water before the examination to keep the skin of your limbs as warm as possible. Do not apply oily skin care products (to avoid excessive impedance affecting the results);

★ On the day of the examination, please wear loose clothes;

★ For those who have pacemakers, implanted cardioverters or defibrillators, electromyography should be performed with caution.

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Lan Yijing, Outpatient Department of Yueyang County People's Hospital

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(Edited by YH)