Preparing for EMG and Nerve Conduction Studies: Complete Preparation Guide

Proper preparation can make your EMG/NCS test more comfortable and help ensure your technician gets accurate readings. While there's no special fasting or complex prep required, there are several important things you should do beforehand. This guide walks you through everything.

Before Your Test

Clean Skin

[1] This is the most important preparation. Bathe or shower to remove oils, lotions, and dirt from your skin. Clean skin allows electrodes to make better contact.

Don't apply:

• Lotion or moisturizer
• Oil
• Sunscreen
• Perfume or cologne

Avoid Caffeine

[2] Avoid caffeine for at least 12 hours before your test. Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase tremor and muscle tension, making the test more difficult and potentially affecting results.

Avoid:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Energy drinks
• Cola and caffeinated soft drinks
• Chocolate

Get Adequate Sleep

Be well-rested before your test. Sleep deprivation can affect muscle function and make testing more difficult.

Inform Your Technician About Important Issues

[1] Tell your technician BEFORE testing starts if you have:

• Bleeding disorder: Hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, etc.
• Blood thinners: Warfarin, apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, etc.
• Seizure disorder: EMG can sometimes trigger seizures in susceptible people
• Pacemaker or implanted device: May affect testing
• Anxiety about needles: Technicians can help manage anxiety
• Severe pain conditions: Pain from needle insertion might be worse

The Day Before Your Test

Take It Easy

Avoid strenuous exercise the day before. Intense exercise can cause muscle soreness that might affect testing. Light activity is fine.

Avoid Alcohol

Don't drink alcohol for at least 24 hours before your test. Alcohol can affect muscle function and nerve conduction.

Review Your Medical History

Prepare a list of:

• All medications you're taking (names and dosages)
• Supplements or herbal products
• Known allergies
• Previous injuries or surgeries affecting arms/legs

Morning of Your Test

Shower or Bathe

If possible, shower again the morning of your test to ensure skin is clean.

Don't Apply Lotion

Don't apply any lotion, oil, or moisturizer to the areas being tested (usually arms and legs).

Avoid Caffeine

Continue avoiding caffeine the morning of your test.

Eat a Light Breakfast

You don't need to fast. Eat a light breakfast so you don't feel faint during testing. Low blood sugar can make you lightheaded during the procedure.

Wear Comfortable Clothing

[1] Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arms and legs. Avoid:

• Tight sleeves
• Tight pants
• One-piece clothing (like a dress)
• Clothing with many buttons or zippers you'd need to undo

Remove Jewelry

Remove necklaces, bracelets, and watches from the areas being tested.

Arrive Early

Arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow time for check-in and paperwork.

Medications and EMG/NCS

Continue Your Regular Medications

[2] Unless your doctor specifically instructs otherwise, continue taking all your regular medications. This includes:

• Neurological medications
• Blood pressure medications
• Diabetes medications
• Other chronic medications

Special Instructions

If your doctor gave you specific instructions about medications, follow those exactly. For example, some doctors ask patients to hold certain medications for a few hours before testing.

What to Bring to Your EMG/NCS

Required Documents

• Insurance card
• Photo ID
• Any referral from your doctor

Helpful Information to Bring

• List of current medications
• List of allergies
• Medical history summary
• Any previous EMG/NCS reports (for comparison)

Questions to Ask Before Your Test

Call your doctor's office if you're unsure about anything:

• "Should I continue all my medications?"
• "How long will the test take?"
• "Will the test hurt?"
• "Are there any restrictions after the test?"
• "When will I get my results?"
• "Is there anything else I should do to prepare?"