Nerve Conduction Studies and Electromyography (EMG)

Your tests will be carried out in our state-of-the-art facilities by one of our experienced consultant clinical neurophysiologists. At your initial consultation, they’ll ask you some questions about your medical history and symptoms, and explain what to expect from testing. 

On the day of the test, you’ll be shown to one of our testing suites and asked to roll up your sleeves or trousers, so that the skin on your arms and legs can be accessed. You'll be asked to sit or lie down, depending on the area being tested. 

Nerve conduction studies

To begin, your consultant will apply electrodes to the surface of your skin. They’ll then stimulate your nerves, usually in your arms or legs, with small electric pulses, and the responses are recorded. 

Electromyography (EMG)

Your consultant will insert a fine electrode needle into the muscle being investigated before asking you to move the muscle or relax it. The muscle activity is recorded by the needle. 

Although some patients find nerve conduction and EMG a little uncomfortable, they shouldn't cause too much pain. Any discomfort will generally disappear within minutes once the procedures are stopped. If you find any procedure too unpleasant, let your consultant know and they’ll do all they can to help you feel more comfortable.

The tests may take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the investigation required, with most tests being completed within half an hour.

Following the investigations, your recordings are analysed, and a report with any conclusions will be sent to your referring consultant to be discussed in a follow-up appointment.

Nerve conduction studies are completely non-invasive and carry virtually no risk of side effects. If you have an implanted medical device, such as a pacemaker or cardiac defibrillator, your consultant will take extra precautions to ensure the test is performed safely. When these steps are followed, the risk of interference is extremely low, and no malfunctions have been reported.

The EMG test may cause slight discomfort or a small bruise where the needle is inserted, but this settles quickly. If you take blood-thinning medication such as warfarin or rivaroxaban, please let your consultant know in advance — the risk of any bleeding or complication remains very small.

On the day of your tests, it’s helpful to wear loose-fitting clothes, as your consultant will typically need to get access up to your elbow or up to your knee. Occasionally, further EMG examination may include shoulder or hip muscles.

Please avoid wearing any skin creams or oils as these interfere with the application of skin electrodes. If tests are being performed on your face, you may also be asked to remove makeup, as this can interfere with the investigation.

You can return to normal activities straight after your test. There’s no need to rest or avoid work, driving, or exercise.

If you’ve had an EMG, you may notice slight tenderness or bruising in the muscles that were tested. This will fade within a few hours to a day. Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help if needed.

Your consultant will review your results and discuss the findings with you in detail. You’ll receive a written report and, where necessary, advice on next steps, such as imaging, physiotherapy, medication, or referral to another specialist.

Please contact our Neurology centre for pricing.

At Welbeck, our neurophysiologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book nerve conduction studies and EMG, you must be referred by either your GP or a neurologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a neurologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.