EMG Cheat Sheet

[thewza]

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I'm about to start my first rotation where I will be doing some EMG/NCS. Does anyone happen to have a good 1-2 page cheat sheet/reference for EMG/NCS. Perhaps something that shows you where to place the electrodes for checking different nerves?

Something like this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[topwise]

This site shows some electrode set ups:

http://www.teleemg.com/index.htm

For your first rotation, you can buy Easy EMG, which has all the set-ups in it. Or you can buy Preston and Shapiro, which is a better book and also has all that stuff in it.

 

[Ludicolo]

Those pictures look as old as I am…

Although the basic concepts are the same, realize that exact electrode placements and normal values are not standardized and will differ from lab to lab. Some places use sticky disposable electrodes, some use bar electrodes, some use concentric needles, some use monopolars. Learn to adapt at this stage. Your attending(s) on your upcoming rotation should provide you with their particular set ups/normal values.

If you’re just starting out with EMGs, focus at first on solidifying your peripheral neuroanatomy and surface anatomy. Know the brachial plexus backwards and forwards. Above all…

have fun.

 

[topwise]

Those pictures look as old as I am…

Yeah, I think I saw someone playing Pong in the background in one of them 🙂

Some attendings will guide you through the first day, but I think some others expect you to at least know the basics even your first time. I'd be familiar with the basic set-up for median/ulnar motor and sensory studies, as well as peroneal, tibial, and sural nerves. I have pictures that I drew for my first day that I pass on to junior residents, but alas, they're not scanned in.