Test Overview
An electromyogram
(EMG) measures the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during
contraction. Nerve conduction studies measure how well and how fast the nerves
can send electrical signals.
Nerves control the muscles in the body with
electrical signals called impulses. These impulses make the muscles react in
specific ways. Nerve and muscle problems cause the muscles to react in
abnormal ways.
If you have leg pain or numbness, you may have these tests to find out how much your nerves are being affected. These tests check how well your spinal cord, nerve roots, and nerves and muscles that control your legs are working.