The quicker we can clarify and define what is causing neuromuscular symptoms, the sooner we can recommend the best treatment. Some neuromuscular problems can be easily identified by a doctor’s exam or a blood test. But other problems are difficult to diagnose, especially when patients exhibit unusual symptoms. In fact, many people with neuromuscular disorders are misdiagnosed or go years without knowing what their problem is.

In the Electromyography (EMG) Laboratory at Rush, we have assembled some of the most sophisticated diagnostic technology available for detecting muscle and nerve disorders. In fact, we are one of a select number of medical centers in the Chicago area able to perform single-fiber EMG—one of the most sensitive neuromuscular tests available.

But technology alone is not what makes a great EMG lab. Experience matters even more. Our fellowship-trained neuromuscular physicians have conducted thousands of muscle and nerve tests on adults, children and infants. As a result, our physicians are able to discern the most subtle abnormalities in muscles and nerves and arrive at a diagnosis with almost 100% accuracy. They have helped patients with all types of neuromuscular problems, including:

• neuropathy
• muscular dystrophy
• amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• myasthenia gravis
• myopathies
• nerve injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
• pinched nerves

Rush''s EMG Lab is double-boarded by the American Academy of Electrodiagnostic Medicine and the American Academy of Psychiatry and Neurology Added Qualifications in Clinical Neurophysiology. 

Two of the most common tests we perform are nerve conduction studies and EMGs. These two tests measure the electrical activity inside muscles and nerves. All muscles and nerves naturally produce electricity. EMGs or nerve conduction studies can tell us whether this electrical activity is normal—or not. Abnormal electrical activity indicates that there may be muscle or nerve damage. 

Here’s what patients can expect during these two tests, typically performed together. The entire procedure takes about two hours:

Nerve conduction studies give us detailed information about a patient’ s nerves. First, we tape patches on bare skin over each muscle or nerve that is causing symptoms. These patches contain electrodes, or electrical conductors. Then, we touch the electrodes with a small probe, causing a tiny electric shock. There may be slight discomfort for a fraction of a second, but this quickly fades. The electrical activity within the nerves is then displayed on a computer screen for us to analyze.

EMGs help us detect and define any muscle damage. We insert a very thin needle, which contains an electrode, into the muscle being examined. Some patients say it hurts a little bit; others are not bothered by it. Once the needle/electrode is inserted, we can view the electrical activity inside the muscle on a computer screen. The patient is asked to move the muscle so we can see the muscle’s electrical activity both at rest and during movement.  

Both EMGs and nerve conduction tests are very safe. Our team has extensive experience helping children of all ages through diagnostic tests.

Both of our respected neuromuscular physicians have fellowships in clinical neurophysiology, which means they received additional training in the physical and chemical activity of the nervous system. In addition, they have years of experience working one-on-one with patients with neuromuscular disorders. At Rush, the physicians who work in our EMG lab are the same physicians who treat patients in all of our neuromuscular clinics. In other words, Rush’s neuromuscular physicians are uniquely trained to detect—and treat—abnormalities in muscle or nerve function.