EMG (electromyography) – examination of the carpal tunnel syndrome on one limb

EMG (electromyography) – examination of the carpal tunnel syndrome on one limb

The carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the compression neuropathies related to pressure on the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. It is the most common neuropathy of the upper limb. The characteristic symptoms of the disease may include, above all, persistent disorders of sensorimotor sensations in the hand concerning the innervation of the median nerve, such as:

• pain in the palm, especially escalating at night
• numbness and tingling sensation in the fingers
• spasms in the hand
• numbness in the hands
• decreased strength of the hand
• swollen fingers, especially in the morning
• hyperalgesia of the hand
• dropping items
• thenar atrophy.

The examination capable of diagnosing the condition is EMG. Therefore, in order to confirm or exclude the carpal tunnel syndrome, it is important to perform EMG using superficial electrodes placed on the skin directly over the muscle to be innervated by the nerve under stimulation. The assessment of the degree, type and nature of nerve damage results from concrete, unambiguous electrophysiological criteria and it is always performed by a physician. Once the examination is over, the patient receives the result along with further guidelines. The examination lasts approximately 20 minutes.Badanie trwa ok. 20 minut.

THE EMG EXAMINATION CONCERNS ONE UPPER LIMB.

The EMG examination requires no medical referral.

The EMG examination of the carpal tunnel syndrome does not require any particular preparation. Prior to the examination, the patient should inform the physician about the current medication use, as the presence of certain pharmacological substances in the body (e.g. Aspirin) may affect the examination result).

If the patient has an IPG (pacemaker), or an ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator), it is necessary to provide the physician with relevant written information.

Contraindications to the examination include:

• permanent orthopaedic equipment (e.g. plaster) that prevents the electrode to reach the limb under examination,
• a foreign body in the limb under examination,
• artificial limb.