For those who've had a few of these I thought maybe you could tell me what you think this means.My neuro said possibly sfn which is why I'm getting tested for it,I'll also be tested for autonomic due to other issues.I just wanted to see what you guys think from experience.This is what the end results said

"Impression: Normal study.There is no electrodiagnostic evidence of a large fiber neuropathy,although the motor unit changes in the Extensor Digitorum Brevis and Abductor Hallucis may be consistant with a chronic but very mild,distal neuropathic process.There is no evidence for a lower motor neuron process involving the hypoglossal nerve."

What is a "chronic but very mild,distal neuropathic process"?My one neuro said it was just everyday wear and tear of my feet.I didn't like that guy.

No one can really interpret your EMG....it says, 'normal study'....so, just go with it...however, that said....only a negative skin biopsy would rule out SFN. My EMGs are normal....I am not.

--means that some of your EMG readings produced action potentials outside the normative ranges that have been set up for your height, weight, and age (these certainly cause the normative ranges to vary), but apparently there is no severe damage, at least to the large nerves they've tested, as of yet.


The report is interesting in that they've apparently tested various parts of your body--what are your symptoms, and where are they?

Cycleops does have a point--EMG/nerve conduction studies can only measure gross changes in larger, myelinated nerves; problems with small, unmyelinated nerves do not show up there (those nerves are too small to be measured that way), but can be very symptomatic. If one's EMG/NCV is basically normal, the logical next step is to examine the smaller fibers.

^Agreed. SFN means there is no electrical evidence of a neuropathy but you have all the symptoms of neuropathy.

They tested your hypoglossus? They stuck a needle under your chin into your tongue? (Did it hurt?)

The changes you referred to can happen with age (over 40...there I said it). On EMG they look like bunching up of muscle fibers of shorter height. Repeating the test, with the same doc preferably, could be helpful for diagnosis in 6 to 12 months. SFN testing can be performed with sweat testing, temperature measurements or skin and/or nerve biopsy. I think those tests are the best out there for SFN, but still have a degree of false negative results.

mdot could you elaborate or explain in simpler language what you are talking about?

Yes they stuck me with a needle under the chin and touched the bottom of my tongue,while uncomfortable,it did not hurt as bad as I thought it would.My throat goes numb and that was the only thing they could think to stick.I have no clue why they didn't just stick my neck.
My symptoms are sfn and autonomic,you name it I've felt it or am experiecing it now.Let's see today,my hands and feet are tingly and my left leg has been vibrating for a while today now.I'm having some difficulty concentrating and headache.And my back and insides felt like they were vibrating for a bit,my throat has been numb off and on today.I'm sure tomorrow will be a whole other bundle of the same and different issues.
Thanks for the tips on what my EMG most likely means.June 15 can not come soon enough!!!!