NCV/EMG or not?
 

Hi everyone,

My neuro believes I have mild neuropathy in my feet. I have had an EEG and a somatosensory test. He would like to do an NCV/EMG. I worry that this test may aggravate my condition and actually make things worse. I have tingling in my feet that goes up my legs. Pain at times.

I guess my question is, is this test really necessary? I feel like I should leave well enough alone. What do you all think?

Thanks so much,

Kay

I asked my Neurologist the same thing and in his opinion it can't cause a flare up, is diagnostically relevant, and doesn't hurt very much.

Other than discomfort during the tests I've never noticed any lingering issues.

Thanks for responding. My Neuro said it does hurt quite a bit and some patients hurt for a couple of weeks after. Such different answers we get.

Kay

Maybe they are using different tools or techniques.

My tests always feel like one of those TENS shock devices turned up to 11. More of a startling shock pain than anything else. Honestly, if you are used to PN pain you have probably developed a higher tolerance than most people anyways :)

I do have a high pain tolerance, sadly. When my daughter had hers done on her hands, she had pain for several days (different doctor).

Kay

It's not painful, it's just unpleasant
Electric current is put through your nerves and it feels weird, but I can name plenty of greatest pain sources

I don't believe you'll feel anything after it ends and I'm pretty sure 2 weeks time you'll forget about it totally
It's very important diagnostic tool and if your neuro wants to do it just go for it

Let me also put it like this, you're a women a have a child, I can't potentially imagine the PAIN of birth, you went through it, EMG is a tickle :-)

I have many tattoos and they definitely hurt more
EMG is annoying but although it takes some time only fraction of that time is when they actually put current through your nerves
So it's an impulse that last few seconds and then rest
It's not constant electric chair experience

It is an unpleasant test, but typically this is one of the first tests ALWAYS done to rule out or confirm large fiber neuropathy. Keep in mind that it will NOT be helpful at all for determining small fiber neuropathy as this test cannot detect any damage of the unmyelinated nerve fibers.

If this test is negative, then you should consider the skin biopsy which will check density and damage for of the small nerve fibers.

I've also had an EMG - no big deal for me. Although, it does seem that everyone's experience is different.

It does rule large fiber involvement in or out - which can give you some peace of mind if the results are negative.

Thank you all. I will be having it done April 13th.

Kay

Sorry I'm late to respond!
 

I have most of my neuropathy in my feet and shins and this test didn't trigger anything. I was also worried about that because just rolling my feet on a ball can set off burning and other symptoms. For me there was one place that was mildly painful. Some spots were annoying and others were just fine. :winky: