US Medical Term · tests
EMG (Electromyography)
Electromiografía (EMG)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | EMG (Electromyography) |
| Spanish (Español) | Electromiografía (EMG) |
| Chinese (中文) | 肌電圖（EMG） |
| Korean (한국어) | 근전도 검사 (EMG) |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Điện cơ đồ (EMG) |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | EMG |
| Portuguese (Português) | Eletromiografia (EMG) |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การตรวจคลื่นไฟฟ้ากล้ามเนื้อ (EMG) |
| Japanese (日本語) | 筋電図検査（EMG） |
What it means
An EMG records the electrical activity produced by your muscles at rest and during contraction. A thin needle electrode is inserted directly into a muscle to measure its electrical signals. You will be asked to relax and then to contract the muscle gently while the doctor listens to and observes the electrical patterns on a screen. The needle insertions cause brief discomfort similar to a sharp pinch. The test usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. You should keep your skin clean and avoid lotions on the day of the test. EMG is used to diagnose muscle diseases, nerve injuries, and conditions such as ALS or myopathy. It is often done alongside a nerve conduction study.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
How many muscles will be tested during my EMG, and how painful is the needle?
¿Cuántos músculos se analizarán durante el EMG y qué tan dolorosa es la aguja?
Should I stop any medications before my EMG test?
¿Debo suspender algún medicamento antes de mi electromiografía?
Can I drive myself home after the EMG, or will my arm be too sore?
¿Puedo manejar a casa después del EMG o tendré el brazo muy adolorido?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026