Dear NeuroTalk friends,

I had another EMG on Wednesday afternoon. The results were the same as they were 3.5 years ago. Some numbers were a tiny bit worse, but generally things were the same.

I've posted the results from 3.5 years ago at the bottom.

The problem for my neurologist is that he cannot identify the cause of my neuropathy. Almost everything has been ruled out. Since the neuropathy is only in my feet and legs, some possible causes are also ruled out, like toxic exposures.

The other interesting thing is that the neuropathy is obviously NOT progressing at all, which also eliminates some conditions that would include progression.

1. Does it matter if we find the cause?
2. It seems unlikely that even with a cause identified, there will be any treatment.
3. How can I assess how disabling this neuropathy is? I mean, I know what I can't do, and how it affects me. But is there any scale for assessment. My family just doesn't understand how it affects me. I would like to have something to show them that explains why all the exercise in the world won't make me better.

I also don't understand if this is a sensory neuropathy only, or also motor? I assume it is a poly neuropathy.

I also have some indications of autonomic neuropathy.

I have Sjogren's Syndrome, tho' always test negative on the blood tests. Since I am also immune deficient, I imagine that somehow contributes to the failure to test positive. That, and I know that more than 30% of those with Sjogren's test negative.

I am tired of all of this, for some reason. And after over 4 years, I am accepting this neuropathy and how it affects my life. My family still doesn't do a good job of accepting it, however.

I would just like to get on with things and let this part 'go'. I guess we don't get to choose?

Findings:
1. Markedly decreased amplitude of the right and left peroneal and tibial nerves.
2. Decreased conduction velocity of the right and left peroneal and tibial nerves.
3. Increased motor latency of the right and left peroneal and tibial nerves.

4. Increased sensory potentials of the right and left sural nerves.
5. Absent latency of the left peroneal and left tibial F-waves.
6. Delayed Latency of the right tibial F-waves.
7. Delayed latency of the right and left H-reflex.
INTERPRETATION:
1. PROFOUND AXONAL NEUROPATHY: RIGHT AND LEFT PERONEAL AND TIBIAL NERVES.
2. PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY: RIGHT AND LEFT PERONEAL AND TIBIAL NERVES.

3. RIGHT AND LEFT SURAL NERVE NEUROPATHY.