EMG/NCS

Please bring your health card (e.g. OHIP card) and arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time in order to register and complete some initial paperwork.

If you are seeing the doctor regarding your lower back, hip, or knee, it may be helpful to bring a pair of shorts for the examination. Women who are seeing the doctor regarding a neck or shoulder issue may want to bring a tank-top or sports bra.

The doctor will be asking you detailed questions about your symptoms, and when appropriate it may be helpful to bring a friend or family member to assist with interpretation. If you are taking prescription medications for ANY medical conditions, please bring a list of your medications with you to the appointment. If you have a copy of any test results pertaining to your condition (e.g. x-rays, ultrasounds, MRI reports, etc.) please bring a PAPER copy of the results with you for the doctor to review.

If you are unable to make your appointment, kindly notify us at least 24-48 hours in advance so that the appointment slot can be given to another patient.
EMG (electromyography) and NCS (nerve conduction studies) are tests to evaluate the electrical function of your nerves and muscles. The first part of the test (NCS or nerve conduction studies) is completed by a technologist and involves placing electrodes on your skin and administering small electrical impulses to your nerves.
In some cases a second part of the test (EMG or electromyography) is performed by a doctor. The doctor may insert a small EMG needle into some of your muscles to evaluate their electrical activity. The test involves some discomfort but is tolerated well by most patients. There is no special preparation involved for this test, however try to keep your hands and feet warm before the test, wear loose clothing that is easy to remove, and please refrain from wearing any lotion on your arms and legs on the day of your test.

In many cases the doctor will be able to review the results of the test with you during your visit. You may be a bit sore but should be able to carry out your normal activities after the test. If you are taking one of the blood thinners warfarin or coumadin, please bring a copy of your most recent INR test result with you. If you have a cardiac (heart) pacemaker, please inform us before we start the test.

Checklist of items to bring:

• Health card (e.g. OHIP card)
• Shorts or tank-top (if applicable)
• List of medications
• Test results (x-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, etc)
• Interpreter (if applicable)