ELECTROMYOGRAPHY – Definition, Purpose, Client Preparation, Procedure and After Care (NURSING PROCEDURE)
An electromyography (EMG) or electromyogram is obtained by introducing needle electrodes into the skeletal muscles in order to study changes in the electrical potential of the muscles and the nerves leading to them. The electrical potentials are shown on an oscilloscope and amplified by a loudspeaker so that both the sounds and the appearance of the waves can be analyzed and compared simultaneously
DEFINITION
An electromyography is the recording of muscle activity at rest, during voluntary movement and with electrical stimulation is made by inserting small needle into the muscle
PURPOSE
- It is useful in detecting the presence of a neuromuscular disorder and myopathies
- It helps to distinguish weakness due to neuropathy
- To help in the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis
- To find out peripheral nerve injury or disease
- To find out whether primary problem is in nerve or muscle
- To differentiate among lesions of the anterior horn cell, root, plexus and specific nerve and muscle
CLIENT PREPARATION
- Inform the client that he will experience a sensation similar to that of an intramuscular injection as the needle is inserted into the muscles
- Explain the client that the muscles examined may ache for a short time following the procedure
- Explain the procedure and ensure cooperation from the client
- The client should have breakfast half to one hour before to the procedure
- Provide cotton dress for the client
PROCEDURE
- Place the client on the examination table comfortably
- Explain the client that needle electrodes are going to place on the skin
- Insert a needle electrode into a muscle
- Nerve conduction studies are performed by stimulating a peripheral nerve at several points along its course and reading the muscle action potential or the sensory action potential that result
- Surface or needle electrodes are placed on the skin over the nerve to stimulate the nerve fibers
- The analysis of motor unit potentials both at rest and in varying degrees of muscle contraction
AFTER CARE
- Provide bed rest for sometime
- Monitor the vital signs
- Provide some mild analgesic to the client
