Diagnosis & Nerve Conduction Test Questions
 

I went to the neurologist today, and she agreed with my rheumatologist--the RSD is back and is in my left arm. She started me on topamax and physical therapy. Apparently, I do have two cervical disc herniations, but both the neuro and radiologist say they aren't causing my left arm pain, temperature changes and discoloration.

She also wants me to take off at least two months from work. It's our busy season, which isn't a great time, but at least I don't have to worry about how I'm going to struggle through work in this much pain.

The neuro also wants to do a nerve conduction test to confirm. We're waiting for two weeks though, so the topamax has a chance to start working, which will hopefully decrease my pain levels.

What's everyone's experience with nerve conduction testing? How badly will it hurt? Will it confirm the RSD? How? For my first bout of RSD 8 years ago, I never had nerve conduction testing.

Also, what's topamax like?

If you are talking about nerve testing where they use small needles to test the area I would do some research. I know my doc says they wont do it because causing trauma to the affected area via needles can make rsd far worse. Please do some research on this before proceding. And if your doc is unaware of things that will worsen your condition he may not be the right doctor. To treat your rsd.

Thanks Terralyn. I'm questioning whether I should really do the test. I don't need to aggravate the RSD anymore than it is already.

If you have RSD, does the nerve conduction test ALWAYS show it? Is it a situation where it may or may not show something because if that's the case, I don't see why I should put myself through torture if it's not necessarily helpful.

My PM and Neuro won't do these tests because 1) They cannot confirm or diagnose CRPS 2) The CRPS can spread as a result of the test

A second opinion with a more knowledgable doctor might be in order.

A nerve conduction test will NEVER show RSD...it just might show something else. I've had one done and it was uncomfortable and painful...but luckily no spread. Definitely consider this test as carefully as you would any invasive treatment. If they really think it's something else then it might be worth it but if it's just to "confirm" RSD then there are safer ways to go about that without risking spread.

mine got worse.....dont do nerve testing please! it hurt so bad. mine was done jan24 1012 i still have a bruise. it didnt prove anything except i dont have a nerve problem...haha im sorry but im honest anyway and my husband grabbed my good arm before 1 of 2 docs got hit cuz the pain was soooooo intense

If you decide you must go through with it, then make sure you have a plan to deal with the aftermath caused. My primary thought I should refuse last time I was told I had to have ANOTHER nerve test. And while I knew he was right, WC could have used it as an excuse to deny benefits, so I went ahead. It is not a pleasant test without RSD, it feels like torture with... The technician abbreviated my testing because she couldn't stomach my reaction, lol. I applied Lidoderm patches immediately afterwords. I was prepared to go to the ER if need be, and my primary had agreed to fight for a SGB if need be. Although, the procedure caused a flare, luckily I was able to manage it at home.

You will need to have someone drive you home afterwards, if you choose to go through with it. Also, if they plan to test both arms, have them test your non RSD effected arm first.

When I had mine they did both legs. The good leg wasn't too bad..hurt a little but manageable. Once they got to the bad leg....I sobbed the entire time. The dr. kept asking if I wanted him to stop. At the time, I only thought it would not give them the answers they needed. The stupid neuro didn't even pass on my reaction to the emg. Anyway, personally, I would not do it but that is me. Good luck.

Hey,

Seems like most people talked about NCT, which I've had two with RSD. First was hell screamed thru it. Second never felt the needle, but it was done by a specialist. If you need for nerve damage diagnosis so you can claim type 2, might be handy, but be prepared it can be awful.

Second, I've taken topamax for two years. It's amazing for me. I've had CRPS/RSD for ten years and it's the ONLY thing that's given me any relief besides pain meds. That said, with this monster different things work for different people. Gift it a few months hope it works. I haven't had too many bad side effects, but good ones like weight loss! Good luck and keep fighting.