EMG 'Nerve Test' Procedure explained by Dr. Ankamah at New Jersey Sports & Spine Medicine, PC

This is a video of Dr. Ankamah explaining and performing an EMG "nerve test" in the office. This test can be uncomfortable for some patients but Dr. Ankamah takes his time and makes sure his patients are comfortable throughout the procedure. Another reason why his patients keep coming back and referring their friends and family to NJSS!

New Jersey Sports & Spine Medicine, PC.
Dr. Andrew Ankamah, MD
1553 State Hwy 27
Suite 3100
Somerset, NJ 08873
Ph: 732-249-9400
Fax: [phone]

[krissygoersch]

Reading all these comments prior to going in today scared the HELL out of me today let me tell you IT WAS NOT THAT BAD AT ALL!!!! It was more awkward and weird feeling than painful I cannot believe I read all these negative comments and worried myself sick for nothing...don’t be like me.

[jeanwilliams]

I had this procedure performed on me September 29th, 2023. It lasted about 90 minutes. The pulses felt like a strong rubber band pop. The needles were very thin, I did not feel the needle. The test was for lower extremities and back. Do not fear this test. On a scale from 1-10, my pain was a 3. Minor discomfort.

[humanitycries]

I recently had this procedure done. There were two parts. The first part my legs and arms were shocked repetitively in different areas. This didn't bother me much unless done continuously in the same spot, which made me feel warm yet relaxed. It was more so interesting seeing how my body would react and limply jerk to each shock. The second part was harder since I don't like needles. So I asked a series of questions once I saw the needle to stall the procedure...I mean prepare for it mentally. Once I gathered the courage I soon realized the insertion of the needle wasn't bad and at times I didn't even know when it was put in and taken out. I found the most discomfort was when the doctor had to slightly move the needle around while inside my leg and arm. Meanwhile I was asked to apply or resist pressure to those areas. Afterwards I did get muscle twitches in my upper arm, but no pain. My doctors were patient and great so that definitely eased my fear during the procedure.

[genghisrunsamok]

I had this procedure (both parts) done three days ago. No pain at all. Having read some of these comments, I was all geared up for an hour of torture. The electric shocks simply felt 'odd'. The needles, hardly noticeable, certainly nothing more than an acupuncture needle. (for anyone never having had acupuncture, these fine needle don't hurt at all) My neurologist and I chatted throughout, some needles I didn't even know he had placed.
So.... if you are about to have this test done, please be aware that not everyone has discomfort or pain. Don't worry needlessly.

[danieldanforth]

I had a NCV and a EMG test done yesterday. It was uncomfortable but not terrible. If you have anxiety it will heighten your fears of how bad do you think it is.

[veronicapalmer]

Just had it done, today! Not even 2 hours ago. During the test, it was fine and didn't hurt (I have a low pain threshold, I am a baby). That was until after. My leg/foot is throbbing so bad I just want to go home and apply ice and get some relief. Again, I will say the test was fine...after was my problem.

[jesussaves]

I had this test done and it hurt terribly. I think because I was expecting acupuncture needles. When I seen the needle I panicked and I wanted to cry because of the pain. I would get involuntary muscle movements (spasms) every time the needle was stuck into my muscle. Stick after stick after stick with pain on my arms and legs and back. I couldn't handle it. My whole body still aches. I know this test was necessary but I couldn't wait to get out of that dr.'s office.

[apostlerev.dr.andrewk.anka]

Krissy:
I wish every patient will be like you. You are very correct. The test is NOT that bad. The key is staying calm and not tensing up. It is important again for the doctor or technician to be compassionate and calm the patient down prior to testing.

I usually start the test by explaining to the patient what to expect. I have found out that it relaxes the patients and the test moves on smoothly.
It means a lot to us hearing from a patient like you. Thanks again for the positive comment. Have a blessed day. Rev. Dr. Andrew Ankamah

[Chekah]

Just got this done today and it wasn't bad at all. If anything my anxiety just made it worse. The nerve velocity test where they "zap" you was not painful at all, I actually quite liked it. The needle portion is just like getting a lab draw which doesn't really bother me, it just hurts a little more when you are asked to make a movement while the needle is still in which only last for few seconds...Overall very tolerable...

[princellasartcraftsspiritu]

That machine does not look like the one used on me. I was tortured, It was the most painful experience of my life. They lied at least 3 times when i asked if it was painful. It was horrible!

[whitefreeman]

you were much kinder to your patient then when i had these test recently.. for one she kept shocking some places over and over and turning it up more and more.. didnt turn it down and increase the shock gradually between locations.. she had to go get someone else to continue shocking me because some places were not getting readings.. and when it came for the emg.. the dr did not offer the spray and told me to flex the muscles after they stuck the needles in them.. still it did not hurt and with dr ankarmah i am sure you will be in much better hands then i was

[anastasia]

My test is in 2 hours and reading all these comments makes me want to cancel my appt😂

[zsdwcgy]

I shouldn’t have looked this up .. now I want to cancel my appointment.

[ritarosado]

I had this test done today. I am in so much pain. I had an awesome Doctor. very pleased with him. Doctor Lackman @ Temple Hospital.

[albertasingleton]

Just had mine done.... not at that place but at another place. It wasn’t bad at all!!! I’d actually do it again if need be.

[famalam]

Thank you very reassuring for my daughter. We liked that doctor

[sharonjones]

Thanks for sharing. I hope my dr is as kind as your dr was. I’m scheduled for the 28th of April 2022. We’ll see what happens.

[apostlerev.dr.andrewk.anka]

In response to the false statement below. Are we talking of glues in humans?

EMG and Nerve Conduction studies provide accurate information and diagnosis of nerve injuries or diseases to treat you better. Lack of EMG can make it difficult for your doctors to diagnose you properly.

When it comes to human lives no doctor or medical professional or otherwise should be guessing.

Remember, I was a surgeon prior to my current specialty. The claim of adhesions with nerves are patently false and erroneous. Should adhesions pinch a nerve, it would be extremely rare.
Adhesions (scar tissues) tissues occur after certain types of surgeries especially abdominal surgeries.

Physiatrist(physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist) and neurologist usually perform these tests.

Some technicians who are not MD/DO are also doing the nerve conduction portion, but by current guidelines they’re not trained to do the needle EMG which requires tremendous knowledge about human anatomy. This may be determined state by state. Check with your state medical board for details.

The test is not pain free, nothing in life is pain free. Example exercises which are good for our health are not pain free either. “No pain no gain”.

However, in good hands such as mine and many other well qualified doctors the pain is tolerable.

The key to the test is to calm down. Don’t tense up and before you know the test is over!

I hope this helps you.

Rev. Dr. Andrew Ankamah, MD, Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

[catbean]

Thank you for this video. I have this Monday for both feet, because I have severe nerve pain in both feet. I've only had this on my hands, which was not very uncomfortable, but with the existing pain I wanted to see what would be done. I feel more at ease after watching this.

[elmartinez]

okay got this test done earlier today… it wasn’t too bad, the zaps only last a second and it honestly just feels like a carpet shock. the needles were tiny, and i only felt a short pinch. i didn’t have any numbing cream on it either so i can imagine it would be better with the cream or spray. i will say when the doctor started to move the needle around a bit on my leg it did cramp my muscles which caused a little pain but nothing that lingered too long. currently i am feeling soreness on my leg in the spots where the small needles were but nothing too bad. honestly the soreness is more uncomfortable then the test itself was haha.