I had an EMG test yesterday which was my first of what may be many test ordered by my neurologist after his examination of me, and viewing the films of my MRI.  I recently asked the question "does EMG test help with the diagnosis of MS?" and was asked in one of the answers I received to write a post on the test because there may be interest in this particular topic.  The neurologist told me the test would rule out carpel tunnel syndrome, and detect pinched nerves in my neck and back.  The test was done on my arms.  I asked him "aren't you going to do my legs too?", he looked at me for a minute and said, "I can,.....but we like to give patients a break, it can be a lot to take at once."  And now I know why.  I can tell you first  hand when they say "it could be a little uncomfortable" that has the possibility of being a gross under statement.  Apparently I was blessed with the anatomical gift of having my nerves run "underneath" the tendons.  Which meant, he had to push harder and use more current to locate and stimulate the nerves.  If you ever have to have this test done, there is only one way to find out if the same applies to you.  Wait and see.  If that is the case I will tell you:  IT HURTS. 
The test was comprised of two separate methods:

1.  The first was placement of sensors around my fingers and electrodes placed in measured distances on my arm. 
 An electro-conductive fork (w/ two prongs) was pushed against my skin in the areas of my nerves. The doctor then proceeds to "zap" current through the nerve where the rings on the fingers pick up 3 different peaces of information: Velocity (which should be under 4) intensity (which should be above 5) and time (which should be above 16)-if I remember correctly. I thought this to be the most painful.

2.  The second is small needles (much like acupuncture ) inserted into the muscles: the deltoid, the bicep, the triceps, the forearm, palm of hand and the muscle between the thumb and fore-finger.  Then the doctor adds resistance (with his hand) and asks you  flex, or push  against the resistance.  The needle is connected to a sort of Doppler machine that emits sound (like when an OB places it on the abdomen to find a baby's heart beat).  The "static" or tearing sound is the muscle fibers, "firing" or contracting.  This portion was not that bad. 

Luckily I am fortunate enough to have had my neurologist himself conduct the test, and he was very understanding.  I am told a technician usually gives the test.  It was nice to be able to ask questions, and get explanations.  Also I had the benefit of the doctor seeing the results immediately first hand, and he could adjust or make changes as we went along, so he could obtain the desired results.  I had asked him if he had ever experienced this himself and he had told he performed it on himself when he wanted to rule out carpel tunnel syndrome for some numbness and tingling he felt, so- he knew how it felt and was actually empathetic when he realized my nerves were below my tendon.