EMG
Pronunciation: ee-em-JEE
Also written as: EMG — Electromyography
Abbreviation for electromyography, a diagnostic procedure that records the electrical activity of muscles to evaluate neuromuscular function, widely referenced in PM&R electrodiagnostic reports.
Full Definition
Electromyography (EMG) involves the insertion of a needle electrode into muscle tissue to record spontaneous and voluntary electrical signals, enabling assessment of the integrity of motor unit potentials and detection of pathological patterns such as fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves. In physical medicine and rehabilitation, EMG is performed alongside nerve conduction studies (NCS) as part of a comprehensive electrodiagnostic study. Editors reviewing PM&R documents must understand that 'EMG' strictly refers to the needle portion of the examination; use of 'EMG' to refer to the combined EMG/NCS study is technically imprecise and should be queried. Results are expressed using standardized terminology (e.g., 'denervation,' 'reinnervation,' 'myopathic pattern') that must not be paraphrased.
Usage
Usage note: 'EMG' should not be used as shorthand for the full electrodiagnostic study unless the document style guide explicitly permits it; query the author if 'EMG' appears to encompass NCS findings.
In Context
- "EMG of the right vastus medialis demonstrated fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves consistent with active denervation." — Electrodiagnostic Study Report
- "The editor noted that the author used 'EMG' to refer to the full electrodiagnostic evaluation; this was queried for clarification as the report included both needle EMG and nerve conduction study findings." — Medical Editing Query