EMG

The abbreviation for electromyogram, a recording of electrical activity in muscle. An EMG can help diagnose muscle disorders, such as muscular dystrophy, or disorders in which the nerve supply to muscle is impaired, such as neuropathy or radiculopathy. Electrical activity is measured during muscle contraction and at rest; either small disc electrodes are attached to the skin over the muscle, or needle electrodes are inserted into the muscle. The impulses are displayed on a screen.