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People fearful they have ALS may wonder if their EMG test missed it because it was done too early; the test results came out normal, but then, you still think you have ALS and begin doubting the test accuracy in detecting this fatal neurological disease. Every 90 minutes in America, someone is diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and death typically occurs 2-5 years after diagnosis, usually due to respiratory failure.

The first time I was scheduled for an EMG (Electromyography) I was terrified. I must say, my primary care physician did not help much. When I asked her what sort of test it was she explained that it is a test designed to discover the functionality of the muscles and nerves in the extremities of my body. She then volunteered “it’s not exactly torture.” That was not terribly helpful information, and I could have done without that last bit.

An EMG test will determine if you have a deadly neurological disease, as well as many benign conditions. But exactly is involved during an EMG test? (Does it hurt?) I sat in on an EMG test that was recently done on my mother, and it’s actually a very fascinating invention of medical technology.