Electromyography (EMG)

Our body is intertwined with a complex network of nerves and muscles. This network allows us to move, feel, and perform daily activities. Any problem with the muscles and nerves can limit these activities and negatively affect our quality of life. This is where EMG (Electromyography) comes in. EMG is a diagnostic method that measures the electrical activity of muscles and nerves and plays an important role in the diagnosis of neurological diseases.

EMG (Electromyography) is a test that measures the electrical activity of muscles and nerves. Muscles contract through electrical signals sent by nerves. EMG records these signals to assess muscle and nerve functions. The test can be performed by inserting fine needle electrodes into the muscles or by using surface electrodes placed on the skin.

A Life Health Group Touch: The neurology department of A Life Health Group has experienced neurologists specialized in EMG testing. With our state-of-the-art equipment and expert team, we ensure that your EMG test is performed accurately and reliably.

An EMG test is performed to determine the cause of neurological symptoms such as muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, muscle pain, cramps, and paralysis. The test can help detect nerve damage, muscle diseases, or communication disorders between nerves and muscles.

An EMG test can be conducted for the following purposes:

• Nerve compression: To diagnose conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or ulnar nerve compression.
• Nerve damage: To assess nerve damage caused by diabetes, alcohol use, or trauma.
• Muscle diseases: To diagnose muscle diseases like muscular dystrophy or myasthenia gravis.
• Spinal cord disorders: To evaluate spinal cord issues such as spinal cord injury or herniated discs.
• Peripheral neuropathy: To assess damage to peripheral nerves in the body.
• A Life Health Group Touch: At A Life Health Group, before the EMG test, our neurologists conduct a detailed interview with you to assess your symptoms and medical history. This allows us to determine whether the test is suitable for you, and the results can be interpreted more accurately.

An EMG test may consist of two parts:

• Nerve Conduction Studies: In this section, small electrical stimuli are applied to the nerves using surface electrodes placed on the skin, and the responses of the nerves to these stimuli are measured. This helps assess the speed and efficiency of nerve conduction.
• Needle EMG: In this section, fine needle electrodes are inserted into the muscles, and the electrical activity of the muscles is recorded. This helps evaluate the electrical activity of the muscles during rest and contraction.During the test, you may be asked to contract or relax certain muscles. The test usually lasts between 30-60 minutes.
• A Life Health Group Touch: The EMG laboratory at A Life Health Group is equipped with the latest technology, and the tests are conducted by specialized technicians in the field.

Usually, no special preparation is needed before an EMG test. However, it is important to pay attention to some points:

• Do not consume caffeine or smoke within a few hours before the test.
• Do not use lotions or creams on the day of the test.
• Inform your doctor about any medications you are using.
• If you are using blood thinners, notify your doctor.
• A Life Health Group Touch: Before the EMG test, you can call A Life Health Group's call center to get detailed information about the test and ask any questions regarding the preparation process.

The EMG test is generally a safe procedure. However, some mild side effects may occur:

• Mild pain or discomfort at the needle insertion site: This pain usually subsides shortly after the test.
• Bruising or swelling at the needle insertion site: This is generally a temporary condition.
• Rarely, infection: The risk of infection at the needle insertion site is very low.
• A Life Health Group Touch: At A Life Health Group, patient comfort and safety are prioritized during and after the EMG test. The test is performed under sterile conditions by experienced healthcare personnel.

EMG test results are evaluated by a neurologist. The neurologist diagnoses by assessing the test results together with the patient's complaints, medical history, and other examinations.

EMG test results help evaluate nerve conduction speed, muscle electrical activity, and nerve-muscle transmission. Abnormal results may indicate nerve damage, muscle disease, or nerve-muscle communication disorders.

A Life Health Group Touch: At A Life Health Group, your EMG test results are evaluated promptly and a detailed report is provided to you. Our neurologists discuss your test results with you in detail and provide information about diagnosis and treatment plans.

The EMG test can be used to diagnose many neurological diseases. Some examples are:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome: Nerve compression at the wrist
• Ulnar nerve compression: Nerve compression at the elbow or wrist
• Peripheral neuropathy: Damage to peripheral nerves caused by diabetes, alcohol use, or vitamin deficiency
• Muscular dystrophy: A group of muscle diseases characterized by muscle weakness and wasting
• Myasthenia gravis: An autoimmune disease causing muscle weakness
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): A neurodegenerative disease in which nerve cells gradually die
• Spinal cord injury: Damage to the spinal cord due to trauma or disease
• Herniated disc: Displacement of spinal discs causing pressure on nerves

• A Life Health Group Touch: A Life Health Group’s neurology department specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of the neurological diseases listed above. Together with EMG testing and other neurological examinations, it plays an important role in early diagnosis and treatment planning of these diseases.

The EMG test can be performed in hospital neurology departments, private neurology clinics, and some diagnostic centers.

A Life Health Group Touch: A Life Health Group’s modern and advanced neurology department provides an ideal environment for the EMG test. Our expert neurologists and experienced healthcare staff ensure the test process is comfortable and safe.

EMG test prices may vary depending on the type and scope of the test and the healthcare facility where it is performed. Additionally, you should contact your insurance company to find out whether your health insurance covers the test expenses.

A Life Health Group Touch: A Life Health Group has a transparent policy regarding EMG test prices. Detailed information about the cost of the test will be provided before the test. We can also assist you in contacting your health insurance to find out if the test expenses are covered.

You can use the contact channels of A Life Health Group to request price information or make an appointment.

After the EMG test, you can generally continue your normal activities. You may feel slight pain or discomfort at the needle insertion site, but this usually passes quickly. If there is bruising or swelling at the needle insertion site, you can apply a cold compress.

When your test results are ready, your neurologist will have a consultation with you to explain the results in detail and create the necessary treatment plan.

A Life Health Group Touch: At A Life Health Group, the follow-up and treatment process after the EMG test is carefully managed. Our neurologists will stay in contact with you to provide all the support you need.

• EMG is a non-invasive test used to evaluate nerve and muscle functions.
• The EMG test is not painful, but slight discomfort may be felt during needle insertion.
• EMG test results should be evaluated together with other clinical findings and examinations.
• EMG plays an important role in the early diagnosis and treatment planning of neurological diseases.

A Life Health Group is a healthcare institution specialized in neurology. Our experienced neurologists aim to provide you with the best care using the latest technologies and treatment methods.

What we offer at A Life Health Group for nerve and muscle health:

• Neurology: Diagnosis and treatment of nervous system diseases
• EMG laboratory: Modern and advanced technology EMG laboratory
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation: Treatment and rehabilitation of physical function losses caused by neurological diseases and injuries
• Neuropsychology: Evaluation of cognitive functions and cognitive rehabilitation
• Speech therapy: Treatment of speech and language disorders
• Psychological counseling: Psychological support for patients and their families

At A Life Health Group, your nerve and muscle health is our priority. Our expert team is ready to provide you with the best care and help you live a healthy life.

Remember, paying attention to your nerve and muscle health is important for your overall health and quality of life.