Objective
To assess the analgesic effect of midazolam, a short acting benzodiazepine. in patients who underwent needle electromyography (EMG).

Method
A double-blind study was performed. Thirty minutes before the EMG examination, 2 tablets of midazolam (7.5 mg/T) was administered by mouth to 28 examinee in experimental group and 2 tablet of placebo to 30 examinee in control group. Level of pain was assessed by pain rating index (PRI) of McGill Pain Questionaire and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) after EMG study. Resistance to needle EMG was evaluated immediately and 7 days after study.

Results
PRI and VAS were significantly lower in the midazolam group than the control group (P＜0.05). Resistance of patients to EMG study was also significantly lower in the experimental group (p＜0.05).

Conclusion
These results showed that pain from needle EMG could be reduced by premedication with midazolam.