Electromyographs - Basics
| Abbreviation / other names What
does |
E.M.G.
Electro = electrical activity |
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| What does it do? |
Records the electrical activity of a muscle by means of electrodes
placed near, or inserted into muscle fibres. |
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| Physiology |
The technique is used for diagnosing various nerve disorders
and assessing the progress in recovery from some form of paralysis.
It is also able to estimate the density of muscle fibres belonging
to a single muscle activity. |
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| How it works |
Electromyography tests nerves the same way an electrician
would test a wire. Since nerves operate by conducting
electrical impulses, the easiest way to see if they are damaged
is to send a current through a nerve from one end to see if
it reaches the other. If the current reaches the other point
at full strength, there is no damage to the nerve. If the impulse
is reduced, or does not come through at all, there may be damage
to the nerve. |
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| Units of measurement |
Microamperes - milliampere |
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| Typical values |
Many variables depending on the site of the EMG. |
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| Picture of equipment |
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EMG Room |
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