My sleep disorder neuro, referred by the MS neuro, has ordered an EMG test after I told him I have buzzing mostly in my right leg (tho sometimes both) and that I often wake up with numb hands/arms after sleeping.

I am really ready to chuck all this diagnosing for now. After 2 sleep studies which will cost me hundreds in co pays not to mention seeing HIM in his office, I am not sure what he could possibly find. I gues he wants to se if its neurologia or myalgia..whichever.

He wants to rule out carpal tunnel. I thinks its more. The buzzing and numb arms are bearable though.

Any ideas? I think I had the test over 10 years ago. Do you remember how painful it is? I am ok with that (gulp) if I do my "labor breathing"...

Thanks for your responses,

Jan

I had an EMG on my arms back in the early 90s. I'm also scheduled to get one again at the end of April when I go see the neuro because I wake up a lot of times at night with numb hands and arms. He's going to do the EMG to see if it's carpal tunnel (which I do have a history of) or if it's something from my brain. (ever see "Young Frankenstein", I've wondered if I'm related to "AbbyNormal" Brain)

From what I remember, it's just little electric shocks, that dont really hurt, it just makes your fingers twitch...might make your wrist twitch a little too. I dont remember it being that painful the last time I had it done...I was seriously intrigued by it. I thought it was actually kind of neat...but, then I probably am AbbyNormal.

here's a video link about the test, as a refresher
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0uSpYd_Ics

I had EMG/NCV in 04 for RSI injury, wasn't too bad

i've had several emg's. they're bothersome with just a little pain at times but overall very bearable.

they can show problems from MS (like when i had my legs done) or CT, like when i had my arms done.

i think it's a worthwhile test to dx different conditions.
and with your sx's...might be a good idea.

Do you sleep with your arms up, above your head, or out to the side?
Is it affecting your whole arm & hands?
whole hand?
pinkie & ring finger?
is the buzzing in your forearms?
could you have a repetitive motion injury?

I was waking up with the same feeling in my hands/arms for ages and assumed I was getting Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and then it disappeared as suddenly as it had appeared. The neuro recently did nerve conduction studies and found my arms & hands to be within normal range. I can only asume that I'd had a pseudo relapse and it's now passed.

My studies were Nerve Conduction ones and not EMG studies, so hopefully those will give a more detailed and thorough reading than the ones I had done.

Whatever happens, I wish you well. Hopefully they'll give you the information you've been wanting to hear.

Jo55

NO, I do any repetitive movements.
No, I do not sleep with my arms over my head.
Usually this happens when I am on my back or side.

The hand(s) or arm from elbow on down go to sleep
not always but frequently enough. It involved the WHOLE hand not just certain fingers.

When I do the dishes, I can't always get a good grip and often I can't get the full sensation of touch when I am pressing buttons with my right hand. I think I dialed or pushed the fax buttons and clearly I have not pressed hard enough.

Buzzing is in my legs mostly right side. I cant remember if its in my arms/hands.hmmm...

Thanks for responding

Jan

Jan, I responded "elsewhere," as did a few other people

I had one a few years ago and then last summer. The last one I had
was really quite painless. The neuro told me they were thinner needles.
You will be fine. Good luck

Sox