Patient Guide
NERVE CONDUCTION TESTING
Electromyography (EMG) Testing  A Nerve Conduction Study
About Your Test
Nerve Conduction Testing (EMG or Nerve Conduction Study) is performed by a physiatrist, a physician (PMR – Pain
Management & Rehabilitation) specializing in physical rehabilitation. This study gives specific information about the
function of your nerves and muscles. It determines if there is an injury to the nerves and quantifies the damage, as well as
defines the exact location of a nerve injury to determine if the damage is reversible.
What to Expect
There are two parts to this study. First, a nerve conduction study will test to see if the nerve is connected from point A to
point B by stimulating the nerve at different points with small electrical stimulations which artificially activates it so that
function and speed can be measured. If damaged, often the speed of the impulse will be reduced into the area of the
damaged nerve. Second, an electrode exam involves the insertion of very fine electrodes into several muscles to determine
normal and abnormal signals in the muscle, defining if the nerve is able to communicate with a particular muscle.
Routinely, both parts of the study are performed, but sometimes, such as with a patient who has carpal tunnel
syndrome, only the nerve conduction study is performed. The study usually takes 30 to 90 minutes depending on the
condition being tested. We then generate a report for your physician that includes the study’s findings and interpretations.
How to Prepare
The Nerve Conduction Study is extremely safe. Electrodes are used one time, disposed of, and never recycled. Side effects
include some muscle soreness that rarely lasts more than an hour or two beyond the examination. Please do not apply any
lotion to the area being studied prior to the examination. You may remain on all of your typical medications for the day.
Why This Test?
You have been referred for this test as a result of having numbness or tingling, decreased sensation, radiating pain, sciatica
or burning in your muscles or limbs. Typically, you may benefit from this study if you have one or more of the following
symptoms: weakness, dropping objects, difficulty buttoning clothing, muscle spasms, difficulty walking, numbness, and/or
tingling that may keep you awake at night. This study helps to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, pinched nerve at the
elbow, neck or back, as well as peripheral neuropathy and neuromuscular diseases (such as muscular dystrophy, Lou
Gehrig’s disease, or myasthenia gravis).
Appointment: ________ ________ with
Day
Time
JOI Physician: __ David A. Doward, MD __ JOI San Marco
__ Robert G. Savarese, DO __ JOI San Marco or
__ JOI Baptist South
JOI San Marco – 1325 San Marco Boulevard, Jax. 32207 JOI Baptist South – 14540 Old St. Augustine Road, Suite 2201 (32258)
www.joionline.net