[Jan4you]

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

[Erin524]

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.

[Jomar]

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

[NurseNancy]

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.

[Jomar]

Originally Posted by Jan4you

and that I often wake up with numb hands/arms after sleeping.

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

Jan

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?

[Koala77]

Originally Posted by Jan4you

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 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.

[Jan4you]

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

[tante]

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

[soxmom]

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