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At UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, we believe parents and guardians can contribute to the success of this test and invite you to participate. Please read the following information to learn about this test and how you can help.
Learn more about Electromyography (EMG) services
The electromyogram (e-leck-tro-MY-o-gram) or EMG laboratory examination is a test that tells the doctor about your child’s nerve and muscle function. This test is often done when a child has weakness in his or her arms or legs. It helps doctors figure out if the weakness is due to a muscle condition or a nerve disorder. Information from the exam will help the doctor diagnose your child’s condition, which is the first step toward starting treatment.
The EMG laboratory exam includes an EMG needle test and nerve conduction tests.
No special home preparation is needed for the EMG laboratory examination.
The EMG needle test records muscle activity at rest and during movement. Your child may feel some mild discomfort, but no sharp pain.
The nerve conduction test is usually done at the same time as an EMG needle test. The nerve conduction test is done by placing disks on the skin over certain nerves and muscles and recording how they respond to mild electrical impulses.
We welcome your help and support during this test. One parent or guardian is invited to join your child in the examination room. Other adults and children must stay in the waiting area.
It is also important to talk to your child about the test, before the test. Here are a few suggestions:
After the test, the small needles and the disks will be removed.
If your child has any special needs or health issues you feel the doctor or assistant performing the test needs to know about, please call the Division of Neurology at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh before the test and ask to speak with a nurse. It is important to notify us in advance about any special needs.
Locations
Children's Hospital's main campus is located in the Lawrenceville neighborhood. Our main hospital address is:
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh One Children’s Hospital Way 4401 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15224
In addition to the main hospital, Children's has many convenient locations in other neighborhoods throughout the greater Pittsburgh region.
With myCHP, you can request appointments, review test results, and more.
For questions about a hospital bill call:
To pay your bill online, please visit UPMC's online bill payment system.
Interested in giving to Children's Hospital? Support the hospital by making a donation online, joining our Heroes in Healing monthly donor program, or visiting our site to learn about the other ways you can give back.