pretty straightforward, tho some folks say they go thru the ROOF and above with some of them. For me, I felt nothing or very little once my PN was well-established. Kept asking WHEN are they going to start? Turned out they were done! Dead nerves? You bet! Some soreness with the test that they sick the sensors into your skin and muscle tho...kind of like accupuncture but only no benefit, other than test results [or non-results].
Do keep in mind that test results CAN vary, and at times widely, from piece of test equiment to the next, and how skillful the test tech/doc is as well. The longer you have progressing problems, the less likely you are to have an inconclusive test result. I know that the three tests I'd had from ER to diagnosis a year later, results indicated greater detrioration. Because of machine and testor variables, that's why new docs want to do their own testing...from sources they trust.
Lastly? Be sure you and your skin/body is warm and comfy in any test room! There is documentation that test results can show false good results if'n your nerves and skin and body are too cold during the tests!
Here is a respected neuro's discussion on this issue:
http://www.onecallmedical.com/PDFs/E...0ISSUE%205.pdf
I can attest to the fact that I'd had to have one nerve conduction test re-done due to my feet turning blue on their own during the tests?
Hope this all helps! - j

OH by the way? The tests themselves really don't actually take that long! Most of it is hurry up and wait, set up [be prepared for lots and lots of INK marks where they are going to put sensors] then more wait...Testing itself is usually about 1/2 hour to 45 minutes each. BORING! just try to keep warm and sorta nap in between. Don't get anxious about it all. It's gotta be done, like other 'maintenance' exams we all do!

Just curious: would having Raynaud's effect the results of an EMG? Luckily, at Mayo, they warmed me up prior to the test because my hands and feet are usually pretty icy in an exam room.

One thing that helped during my EMG was that during the needle portion, I would look away and focus on my breathing. Deep, slow breathing made any discomfort much more bearable.

fanfaire

Hi. I have had the ssep. I had it after my first emg/nc showed little compared to my pain. That ssep is suppose to show more and did for me. I also had at that time my emg/nc repeated. At the time I had my ssep and the second nc/emg my pain was at an all time high. The first time I had the emg/ssep it was no big deal but because I was so sensitive later on and in horrible pain I had a harder time. The guys who did my second test at the neuro were so nice and tried to distract me. They kept checking in to make sure I was ok. You will be fine just use your voice and focus on that you need to do it to get some answers and then relief.
Fanfaire I freeze too in all exam rooms and docs office. Part of why I dread apts. When I get cold and my feet are blocks of ice it sends the pain up and it is so hard to warm up.
Good luck and many thoughts.Welcome too