Just found a good site -I don't think it's been posted before
 

http://www.teleemg.com/

Lots to explore - j

Very interesting.

I hope when they offer a training course in emg's and nerve conduction tests, they show each person EXACTLY how it feels.

You better believe they will be more empathetic if they know how it actually feels.

Like when a male ob/gyn says to a person in labor: "There there, it's really nothing, it's not so bad". And the woman having the baby thinks he's lost his mind.

Same principle applies.

Good website!!

mel

Here's another site: Tell us something
 

we didn't already know? At least SOMEONE is looking at 'US' as a population? - j

http://www.theacpa.org/news_viewitem.asp?id=165

Re: EMGs
 

Hi everyone:

The first time I had an EMG in my legs, it didn't hurt. Then I recently had a second one and boy, did that hurt! Felt like electric shocks. Has anyone else had this experience? I don't know if that means the nerves are working right or wrong. And does anyone know that answer? My doctor thinks I do not have peripheral neuropathy, but that the pain in my legs and back is from a couple of bulging lumbar discs. I don't have any foot burning or numbness in my feet or legs.

Shirley H.

More on EMG's
 

Mel, you are right in both the quality or the results, and the pain can be due to the QUALITY of either the doc or technician administering the test. Lots of other factors come into play.

1- here's the Q&A on that site....questions are asked by both Docs AND Patients. I could probably 'suspect' that a couple of folks from this board have actually ASKED identical questions.
http://www.teleemg.com/new/emg_technique1.htm

2- The testing 'environment' can affect outcomes as well -Like Goldilocks....too hot, too cold or JUST rite...can sometimes make a difference:
http://neurology.jwatch.org/cgi/content/full/2003/626/1 AND
http://onecallmedical.com/PDFs/EMG%2...0ISSUE%205.pdf

Shirley and Melody? As for the PAIN testing creates? In my book it's thru one or both ways...skill of the doc/tech doing the testing and, HONESTLY-how BAD you are off. My first series of Nerve Conduction tests were done by a neuro in his office with MINIMAL equipment...tho early out from onset, I do believe I growled a LOT during that testing. I also had lots of 'nerve bites' from the probes [very much like bug bites but all up/down arms/hands and legs/feet. The next rounds of tests were done in another set of offices with Far, FAR more sophisticated equipment. Different tech/doc each time, same office and equipments - either I'd gotten so bad that I had to ask [after what seemed quite a long time-ARE YOU DONE YET?] and well, I got a YES! I'd been 'waiting' for the start of it all. After those later tests I DID have the 'residual fasculiations' [SP?] but not for long...It did confirm that I wasn't a person with happy nerves tho....They can turn up the amps on me and well, not much happens...YAWN! While I know many of you who DO react aren't happy about it? Consider the options - I broke my toe and toe nail...bloody mess! Did not Know IT! Frankly, I would much rather know it, burns-bruises, you name it....than not feel it at all.

Any teeny nerve zeep, zap or CLONK! I gladly take as a sign of either progress or no further deterioration.. It's kind of like the 'cell phone' ad - IF YOU CAN FEEL THIS NOW? Yeah it hurts, but...BUT you CAN feel it! Unfortunately for the rest that comes with it? Ya can't turn it off...no matter how much you want to!

Shirley - I think...not sure I'd posted a different 'nervous system' map about a month ago....Try to find it, If you can't I'll see if I can dig it up...
It was really a good one to sort of 'track' the nerves from point A-to- points B & C....and also where the 'hurt' travels [front, back sides]. Let me know.

EMG test
 

I had an EMG test on 2nd oct and it wasn't a particularly pleasent experience,it wasn't agony but it did hurt.Before the guy started the tests I told him some of the symptoms I was getting and he told me it could be an anxiety problem which really REALLY annoyed me.Anyways he did the test and it came back 'borderline' in that there was a slight problem but not much but because of my age he would have expected 100% perfect reading.Not sure what any of this means, does anyone know if I should maybe push for short fibre testing or not bother now I know the long fibre's have a slight problem.Any help would be appreciated,thanks.

To Dahlek:
 

Dear Dahlek:

If you are referring to dermatomes - yes, I have downloaded a map of them and know how they work.

Do I gather that if the EMG is very painful, that is a "good sign" and means that the nerves are very much alive and functioning? The same doctor did the EMGs both times and I wonder if he turned up the power on the second EMG since the first one was not painful like the second one was.

My regular doctor only said he thought I did not have peripheral neuropathy but really did not tell me anything about the results of the latest EMG or the first, either. Guess they don't go into detail if they think there is no problem. He thinks my leg pain is caused by a couple bulging lumbar discs.

Shirley H.

Mark, ha ha, "anxiety problem".... I wish that guy would go have his appendix removed with no anesthesia, then you could tell him that the pain he endured from that might just be due to anxiety.

I know, it was a ridiculous comment to make,especially as he said it after I had told him that I have constant pins and needles in my hands and feet. Surely if it was anxiety the pins and needles would come and go!!

Silly, Silly questions...
 

"Are you anxious?"
Well, who wouldn't be when things don't get 'better' or just keep on getting worse? To not be anxious or concerned would indicate REAL problems. Now PLEASE KIND DOCTOR.....what can or can't you do about MY problem? If you can't do anything, can you refer me to someone who MIGHT be able to help me?
The pain, and the 'almost' or actual falling part is getting a bit old about now...any ideas? Doctor, are you still here?

I always truly wonder what they say about US to their peers.....wish I could find a way 'in' so to speak... - j