EMG Laboratory Department Description

The EMG Laboratory provides Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS), Needle Electromyography, Autonomic Nervous System Testing, Botulinium Toxin and Phenol Injections on adult and pediatric inpatients (ambulatory or portable) and outpatients from all ethnic and socio-economic groups. Patients are referred for a variety of conditions involving the peripheral nervous system. These conditions may include pinched nerves, focal or generalized nerve disease, neck or back pain and muscle conditions such as myopathies or amyothrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Most patients are referred from physicians, clinics and inpatient units at HCMC. Referrals are also accepted from physicians and clinics outside of HCMC.

Initial Assessment

The average waiting period for an outpatient procedure is 2-3 weeks with the ability to schedule earlier if needed. Inpatient procedures are usually completed the same day as requested. Nerve Conduction Studies performed with Needle Electromyography require approximately 1 hour to complete. Autonomic Nervous System Testing requires 2-3 hours. Botulinium Toxin and Phenol Injections take approximately one-half hour. An electrical stimulus is applied to specific nerves then recorded from nerve or muscle locations using disposable surface electrodes during the NCS. Needle Electromyography is the recording of nerve and muscle potentials using a specially designed disposable needle.

Reassessment

Dictated results and available within one or two days and mailed to referring physicians or clinics and scanned into the electronic health record within a week. Follow-up studies are occasionally ordered to evaluate changes over time and are requested by the referring physician.

To schedule an appointment, call the Neurology Clinic at 612-873-2616.

Learn more about Hennepin County Medical Center's Neurology Clinic.