Your Questions Answered

EMG and nerve conduction studies are generally considered to be the best technological way to study peripheral nerves. In other words, think neck and back pain, carpal tunnel, numbness and many other nerve-related issues.  

EMG is simply a very accurate way to test the nerves and muscles of the body and determine if there is an injury or damage. 

NECK & UPPER EXTREMITIES:

• Neck Pain (M54.2)
• Cervical Radiculopathy (M54.12)
• Brachial Plexus Lesions (G54.0)
• Ulnar Nerve/Cubital Tunnel (G56.20)
• Median Nerve/Carpal Tunnel (G56.00)

BACK & LOWER EXTREMITIES:

• Low Back Pain (M54.5)
• Lumbar Radiculopathy (M54.16)
• Sciatica (M54.3)
• Meralgia Paresthetica/Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve (G57.10)
• Peroneal Nerve (S84.10XA)
• Tarsal Tunnel (G57.50)
• Nerves of the Feet

PAIN OR PARESTHESIAS:

• Neuropathy (G60.9)
• Diabetic Neuropathy (E11.42)
• Weakness (M62.81)
• Pain in the Limbs (M79.609)
• Paresthesias (R20.2)

While MRIs are amazing miracles in modern times, and often very helpful, especially with neck and back nerve issues, they have their shortcomings. 

MRIs can help image the nerves, bones, soft tissues, and spaces around the nerve, which is often why MRIs are ordered along with EMG studies.  However, as a rule of thumb, an EMG is likely to provide more accurate and detailed information regarding a peripheral nerve injury than an MRI will.

For example, in a series of studies performed by Dillingham, et al, it was found that when following proper protocols, EMG was at least 96% accurate at finding cervical and lumbar radiculopathies.  This is much more accurate than an MRI.

EMG is also much more economical.  The cost of an EMG is typically about a 1/3 to 1/4 the cost of an MRI. 

Further, EMG is usually approved by insurance without prerequisites.  On the other had, because of the cost, an MRI can often have stipulations such as participating in physical therapy or other treatments before it can be ordered.

The test consists of two parts: 1) Nerve Conduction and 2) EMG.

With nerve conduction testing, small electrical shocks are used to “wake up the nerves” to test how fast and strong the nerves are.  The patient usually cannot feel the electricity traveling (happens all the time naturally inside us), but they do feel the shock on the skin.  When using modern equipment, this is often described as similar to the electrical pads commonly used in physical therapy, or a 9-volt battery on the tongue.  It is certainly a “weird” sensation, but usually not described as painful.

With EMG testing, a small needle is placed in the muscle to monitor electrical activity.  It is basically an electrical microphone.  The needle used with modern equipment is usually very thin, about the same size as an acupuncture needle.  Only one needle is used, but it is placed in several different muscles to determine if certain neural pathways are affected.

Small shocks and being poked by a small needle is not necessarily something one would do for fun.  However, it is typically a mild experience and more often than not, patients state, “that wasn’t a big deal.”

It is very important that you wear NO LOTION to your appointment.  Lotion makes it very difficult to attach electrodes and maximize the quality of the study.

When testing anything from the neck to the hands, short sleeves (ideally a tank top) are needed for access to the arms and neck.

When testing anything from the back to the feet, loose fitting pants that can be pulled to at least mid-thigh, or ideally shorts are needed to access the legs and feet.

Yes.  There is no need to change any medications prior to the study.  It should not affect the outcome of the study.

However, it is good to let the provider know what medications you are on at the time of the study.

Typical appointments are 45 minutes

Yes! This is a mild test.  There should not be any lasting side effects or ongoing painful conditions from the test that would limit driving oneself or returning to work.

We strive to make the information from the study as useful as possible to the provider and the patients and that means fast scheduling and fast results. 

Typically, most patients can be scheduled within one week.

Results are typically faxed within 24 hours after the study.

While there are no guarantees, insurance typically approves most EMG studies.  We are approved for most insurance in the state of Utah.

There are self-pay/cash options for patients without insurance.  Please contact us and we will have you speak with our billing personnel to give you more detailed information.

The cost of an EMG study is determined by each individual insurance company.  On average, it is considered a very affordable diagnostic test and usually just a fraction of the cost of what an MRI or CT scan would typically cost.

We currently have locations in American Fork, Payson and Tooele.

These locations usually allow for most patients to drive within an hour from where they reside.

If your facility has a need for at least 10 EMG studies per month (inside or outside of Utah), please feel free to contact us to consider if there might be a way to schedule regular EMG studies closer to you.