Arrive with clean skin and no lotion, cream or oil on the arms or legs being tested, keep your hands and feet warm on the way in, and wear clothing that lets the limb be uncovered. Tell the team about blood thinners, a pacemaker or a defibrillator beforehand.
Arrive with clean skin and no lotion, cream or oil on the arms or legs being tested, keep your hands and feet warm on the way in, and wear clothing that lets the limb be uncovered. Tell the team about blood thinners, a pacemaker or a defibrillator beforehand.
Two things affect the quality of the recording more than anything else you control. The first is skin preparation: lotion, cream, oil and fake tan all block electrode contact, so skip them entirely on the day. The second is temperature. Cold limbs slow nerve conduction and produce readings that look abnormal when they are not, so the technologist may warm your hand or foot before starting. You can help by keeping warm on the journey in, especially in winter or if you have been sitting in air conditioning.
Anticoagulants and antiplatelet medication matter if the needle portion of electromyography is planned in the same session, because they change how and where the needle examination is done. An implanted pacemaker or defibrillator changes the stimulation technique. Any open wound, active infection, or lymphoedema in a limb is worth mentioning. So is a needle phobia, because knowing in advance lets the study be paced differently rather than abandoned halfway.
Wear loose sleeves and trousers, or bring shorts, so the limb can be uncovered without undressing completely. Remove watches and jewellery from the areas being tested. Eat and take medications normally. There is no sedation, so you can drive yourself home and return to work. If the needle portion was done, expect mild muscle soreness for about a day, comparable to the ache after unfamiliar exercise, and possibly a small bruise at a needle site.
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.