Electromyogram (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Study (NCV)

Your child is scheduled for an Electromyogram (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Study (NCV). Please check with your insurance company if you have questions about what they will pay.

What is an Electromyogram (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Study (NCV)?

These tests check how the muscles and nerves are working.
Electromyogram (EMG):

• The EMG uses small needle electrodes. They measure the electrical activity of your child’s muscles at rest and during movement.
• Your child may feel some mild discomfort. Inserting the needles feels a little like being pinched. Sometimes a child may feel a mild, dull ache while the needle is in place.

Nerve Conduction Study (NCV):

• The NCV electrodes produce a mild electrical impulse. They measure how quickly the muscles and nerves respond to the impulse.
• Your child may feel some mild discomfort. The impulse feels a little like a static shock. This test is safe. The impulse is very quick, lasting less than a second.

How do we prepare for EMG and NCV?

• Tell your healthcare provider if your child:
  - takes any medicines, especially aspirin or blood thinning medicines.
  - has any health problems, especially if your child has a pacemaker. This does not mean that the test shouldn’t be done. It should be cleared with your cardiology provider before the exam.
  
  
• Tell them all the medicines and natural health products your child takes.
• Give your child a bath or shower the night before the test. Do not use lotions, sunscreens, or perfumes.
• Make sure your child wears loose fitting clothing.
• Bring along a toy or other comfort item for your child.

When should we arrive? How long does the visit last?

• Please arrive 15 minutes before your visit. If you are late, your visit may need to be rescheduled.
• Check in at the Neuroscience Center. Stop at any Welcome Center for directions.
• The visit takes about an hour.

Who to call

Call the Neuroscience Center scheduler at 414-266-6828 if:

• your child has a cold, the flu, or a fever. The visit may be rescheduled.
• a parent or guardian cannot come. The visit may be rescheduled. A parent or legal guardian must be present or reached by phone. If you are the legal guardian, please call to be sure we have the legal documents needed.
• you have questions after reading this sheet.

How can we help our child during the tests?

You can help your child prepare. Start with these tips:

• Use brief and simple terms to explain the test to your child. Tell them why it’s being done. Younger children often have a short attention span. Do this shortly before the test. Older
  children can be given more details and time to understand the test in advance.
• Make sure your child understands which body parts will be involved in the test.
• As best you can, describe how the test will feel. For instance, the electrode is round and may feel sticky. Be honest. Tell your child the EMG needle test will feel like little pinpricks. The
  NCV test will feel like tiny shocks.
• Allow your child to ask questions. Answer their questions truthfully. It’s ok to tell them if you don’t know the answer. Your child may feel nervous or afraid. They may even cry. Let your
  child know that you’ll be with them during the test.
• You can watch a video about this test: https://childrenswi.org/health-information/neurosciences-resources
• A Child Life Specialist is trained to help children cope with medical tests. If your child is under 12 years old, a child life specialist will be at the appointment. If your child is over 12 years old,
  a specialist can be at the appointment. Please let us know if you would like one.

Can I stay with my child?

Yes. We would like you to talk to your child and hold their hand during the test.

What will happen during the appointment?

• The EMG and NCV is done by a doctor and a technologist.
• Your child may change into a hospital gown. They will be asked to lie on a hospital bed.
• The technologist will clean the skin in the areas being tested. Then, the electrodes are placed on the skin. Sometimes, gel, glue, or paste is first applied to the skin to help keep the
  electrodes in place.
• During the NCV, the technologist will use a stimulator. It sends a mild electrical impulse to certain electrodes. This may cause the muscles in these areas to twitch or tingle. The electrical
  activity of the nerves is recorded.
• During the EMG, the doctor will put a needle electrode into a muscle. Your child will be asked to relax and tighten the muscles. Your child may hear popping sounds when they tighten the
  muscle. The Electrical activity of the muscle is recorded.
• The electrodes may be moved to different areas of the body.

What happens after the test?

• You will be able to leave once the test is complete.
• Your child will be able to go back to normal activities after the test.
• A report of your child’s testing will be sent to the doctor who ordered it.

For more health and wellness information check out this resource:

https://kidshealth.org/ChildrensWi/en/parents