In some cases, nerves may be tested in multiple locations, which can make the procedure take slightly longer. The entire procedure usually takes about 20-30 minutes to complete. This may feel uncomfortable, but it usually isn’t painful.
Plan on resuming normal activities after the procedure. You need to be awake for the procedure, so whatever you take should allow you to be relaxed and not asleep. If you feel you need something, Valium or one of its relatives, (Xanax, Ativan), is usually prescribed. The study is typically well tolerated but for some patients it is nearly unbearable. Most surveys find pain more common in the needle portion. Pain is the most common complication of EMG 2 causing some level of discomfort in all patients either from the nerve conduction portion or the needle examination. This is normal and generally lasts 1-2 days. How long does a EMG hurt?Īfter the EMG is complete, you may experience some muscle soreness at the insertion point(s). Not only friends and relatives who have had a previous EMG experience, but also physicians can sometimes discourage patients from undergoing EMG, believing that the test is very painful and of little benefit (1). Pain is commonly associated with EMG, because the procedure involves the use of needles and electric shock.
