I had the test on my arms and hand one week and on my calves and feet the next week. I worried about it 99% more than I need it to because it's feeling that cause it was nowhere near how much uncomfortable the zingers that my neuropathy was causing. One good thing was that the doctor was able to tell me the results right there on the spot.

I've had them done several times and I hate them. They were looking for diabetic neuropathy due to my complaints but never found anything. Good luck!

The EMG (that you are asking about) , measures your nerve endings (what amount you are feeling, is it 10 %, 50% or 100%). There is more to it then that but that is how I understood it. Due to all the back surgeries I have had...my doctor wanted an EMG baseline. That was when they found that the ulnar nerve was not acting properly..they followed this for about 6 months. Then I went in for surgery..if the emg had not been completed, no one would have known that this nerve was moving my hand to the left,curling my fingers..the hand would have ended up as a claw.
The initial EMG took about 2 hours. They hook you up with electrodes on certain muscles/nerves and then you will feel a zap, which will become stronger, if its not measuring on the machine. They learned that there was nerve damage in my neck but they could not tell me why...I that is when your MD would refer you to the appropriate specialist. They tried to do my lower part of my body, they were only able to find that there was nerve damage (coming from inside the spinal cord or it was outside of the spine)...they could not test my lags because I was way too sensitive.
Yes, its uncomfortable but I think for some people, it required.
I hope I answered your question...I am returning in January for another go at the lower part of my body.
Good Luck
C

Cindycroft,
Your explanation of her question was great?

Hi JodiC
I was answering the question.
Good Luck Donna21362, remember just breath and stay relaxed. You will do fine.