Electromyography is a procedure used to diagnose and treat a variety of illnesses ranging from muscular dystrophy to carpal tunnel syndrome. When patients report pain, muscle weakness or tremors, a doctor may request and EMG to help in diagnosing these patients. Nerve conduction testing is normally used in conjunction with electromyography.

Basically, an EMG test measures the electrical activity in nerve fibers and muscles. A small amount of electricity is normally produced when muscles contract. Electrodes are normally used for the detection of electrical activity. The results of these tests are normally used to determine the type and extent of the nerve or muscle damage in patients.

Surface or intramuscular EMG tests may be performed on a patient depending on the nature of the complaint. Thin needles that are attached to electrodes are normally inserted in the patients' muscle tissue during intramuscular EMG tests. On the other hand, electrodes are normally attached to the surface of the skin when surface EMG tests are being carried out.

The current medical condition of the patient must be ascertained before any of these tests are carried out. For instance, it is important for the doctor to know whether or not a patient has a pacemaker or any other type of electrical device in his or her body. This is because EMG tests can affect the performance of such devices.

During EMG tests, the patient will be asked by the person conducting the test to do a series of short movements. Patients might experience mild tingling in places where the electrodes are attached to the body. Normally, an EMG test can be completed in 30 minutes, but it can sometimes continue for up to one hour.

Apart from diagnosing illnesses, EMG can also be used to help patients learn how to control anxiety, manage pain and combat migraines. It can also be used in physical therapy to help stoke patients.

EMG can also be used in labor monitoring and treatment of injuries incurred during sporting activities. Video game companies are also trying to come up with electromyography controlled toys and video games.