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An EMG is sometimes recommended to
assess the electrical activity of a nerve root. After three weeks of
pressure on a nerve root, the muscle the nerve goes to will begin to
spontaneously contract. Compression of a nerve will also slow electrical
conduction along that nerve. EMG’s are also sometimes useful to
distinguish nerve degeneration (neuropathy) from nerve root compression
(radiculopathy).
The test involves placing small needles into the muscles, so there is some
discomfort for the patient. There are no major risks, although the tests
are not highly reliable in determining which nerve is compressed.
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