Electromyography (EMG)
Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic technique used to evaluate and record the electrical activity of muscle fibers. This method is particularly valuable in neurology and orthopedics to assess the health of muscles and the nerves that control them.
For example, EMG measures the electrical activity of masticatory muscles, helping to objectively identify muscular imbalances or overactivity, which are common in TMD (temporomandibular disorders). This procedure aids in diagnosis and therapy monitoring, particularly for bruxism or muscular tension.
An EMG is performed by inserting thin needle electrodes directly into the muscle tissue to measure electrical discharges during rest, mild contraction, and strong contraction.
Alternatively, a surface EMG can be used, where electrodes are placed on the skin over the muscles. This method is less invasive but generally provides less precise data than needle-based EMG.
The data collected helps diagnose and monitor conditions such as:
- muscular dystrophy,
- neuropathies,
- motor neuron diseases, and
- other disorders.
EMG can also be used in rehabilitation and sports medicine to optimize training plans and prevent injuries.