An EMG is uncomfortable rather than painful for most people. The nerve conduction part delivers brief electrical pulses that feel like a tap or a short cramp, and the needle part uses a thin needle in the muscle that causes a passing ache. There is no sedation and most people drive themselves home.
An EMG is uncomfortable rather than painful for most people. The nerve conduction part delivers brief electrical pulses that feel like a tap or a short cramp, and the needle part uses a thin needle in the muscle that causes a passing ache. There is no sedation and most people drive themselves home.
Nerve conduction studies come first. Small electrodes on the skin deliver short pulses, and the sensation is a tap or a brief cramp that stops the moment the pulse does. The electromyography part follows, using a fine needle placed into selected muscles to record their electrical activity. That produces a momentary sting on insertion and an ache when you are asked to tense the muscle.
The common report is that the anticipation was worse than the test. There is no sedation and no recovery period. Some people notice mild soreness in the muscles studied for a day or so, similar to the feeling after unfamiliar exercise, and occasionally a small bruise where the needle went in.
Arrive with clean skin and no lotion or cream on the area being studied, because both interfere with electrode contact and can prolong the study. Wear clothing that lets the limb be uncovered. Tell the neurologist if you take blood thinners or have a pacemaker or defibrillator, since that changes how the study is performed. It also helps to know that you can ask for a pause at any point; the study is done in segments rather than one continuous procedure, so stopping briefly costs nothing. People who tense up against the needle generally find it harder, so being told what is coming next tends to make the whole thing shorter.
Clinical Neurology Specialists has been physician-owned since 1998, when Leo Germin, M.D., FAANEM founded it. Five board-certified neurologists and four advanced practice providers see patients at the Las Vegas and Henderson offices, each with its own AANEM-accredited electrodiagnostic laboratory.
Clinical Neurology Specialists is an adult outpatient neurology practice for patients 18 and older. The practice performs no surgery and operates no imaging suite, infusion suite or interventional pain programme, and provides no emergency or inpatient care.
Physician-reviewed. Reviewed by the physicians of Clinical Neurology Specialists — board-certified neurologists, AANEM-accredited electrodiagnostic laboratories, physician-owned since 1998. Reviewed 1 August 2026. This article is general education for adults 18 and older and is not a substitute for a consultation.
Adults 18 and older, at the Las Vegas and Henderson offices. Call 702-804-1212 or request an appointment online.