Or the neurologist may insert needle electrodes at different sites depending on your symptoms. To prepare for the study, the neurologist or a technician places surface electrodes at various locations on your skin depending on where you're experiencing symptoms. You'll likely be asked to change into a hospital gown for the procedure and lie down on an examination table.

Have hemophilia, a blood-clotting disorder that causes prolonged bleeding.

Have a pacemaker or any other electrical medical device.

Tell the neurologist and other EMG lab personnel if you: The nervous system specialist (neurologist) conducting the EMG will need to know if you have certain medical conditions.

Don't apply lotions or creams before the exam. Take a shower or bath shortly before your exam in order to remove oils from your skin. If you are taking a medication called Mestinon (pyridostigmine), you should specifically ask if this medication should be discontinued for the examination. When you schedule your EMG, ask if you need to stop taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications before the exam.

When muscles along the chest wall are examined with a needle electrode, there's a very small risk that it could cause air to leak into the area between the lungs and chest wall, causing a lung to collapse (pneumothorax). There's a small risk of bleeding, infection and nerve injury where a needle electrode is inserted. EMG is a low-risk procedure, and complications are rare.

Emg nerve test pain