EMG/EEG

Sujatha Borra, M.D.

General Neurologist located in Tampa, FL & Wesley Chapel, FL

When you have symptoms like tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness, there’s a chance the problem lies in your nerves or muscles. To determine the underlying cause of your problem, Dr. Sujatha Borra performs two key diagnostic tests: electromyography (EMG) and an encephalogram (EEG). Both tests are done in the office to give Dr. Borra detailed information about the health of your brainwaves and the nerves and muscles throughout your body. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Tampa, Florida.

EMG/EEG Q & A

What is an EMG?

An EMG is a test that evaluates your muscles and the nerves (motor neurons) serving the muscles. The EMG measures electrical activity as nerves stimulate muscle contraction.

When you get an EMG, you’ll undergo two separate tests, a nerve conduction study and a needle EMG.

What is a nerve conduction study?

A nerve conduction study shows the health of your nerves by measuring electrical impulses as they travel through a nerve. Dr. Borra places several small sensors, called surface electrodes, on the surface of your skin.

The electrodes are placed at intervals along the nerve being tested. Then a low-intensity electric current is used to stimulate the nerves, while the electrodes measure the speed and strength of the electrical signals as they move along the nerve.

What is a needle EMG?

A needle EMG shows how well your muscle responds to nerve stimulation. In this study, a very fine needle serves as an internal electrode.

Dr. Borra inserts this fine needle into the affected muscle. Once the needle is in place, you’ll receive instructions on how to slowly contract the muscle.

As you gradually increase the strength of the contraction, the needle picks up the activity, which is recorded and displayed on a monitor. In some cases, the electrical activity is played as a sound through a speaker.

Who might need an EMG?

Dr. Borra may perform an EMG when you have symptoms of a nerve or muscle disorder, such as tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, or muscle pain. An EMG can help diagnose or rule out problems such as:

  • Muscle disorders, such as muscular dystrophy
  • Disorders affecting nerve roots at the spinal canal, such as a herniated disc
  • Problems affecting communication between nerves and muscles, such as myasthenia gravis
  • Peripheral nerve disorders that subsequently affect muscle function, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Disorders affecting nerves in the brain or spinal cord, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

What is an EEG?

Your brain contains billions of nerve cells that generate and transmit electrical impulses. Their combined electrical output forms patterns that are known as brain waves. An EEG measures those brain waves, recording them in a wave-like pattern on paper or a computer monitor.

The EEG test is simple and painless. Dr. Borra places electrodes on your head, you lie back and relax, and the electrodes pick up your brain waves.

EEGs are often used to diagnose:

  • Seizures
  • Head injuries
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Brain tumors
  • Sleeping problems

Whether you have significant symptoms, such as seizures and muscle weakness, or nagging problems like tingling sensations, call Dr. Borra or book an appointment online.