EMG/Nerve conduction studies?
 

Hi

I am having an urgent EMG and nerve studies on legs/feet, has anyone had these done and do they really hurt a lot? I am worried about some things I have read :eek: what do these test entail please?

thanks
Bev x

The EMG/NCV I've had on my spine, legs and feet was not the most painful thing I've ever felt, but, too, it also isn't something that is pleasant.

I'd be as relaxed as possible going in and try to remain relaxed. I wouldn't let what you may have heard about others' testing affect your thoughts. Everyone is different, after all :).

For mine, I took along a small stuffie (animal) and squeezed it. The L-spine was the worst aspect for me, and I did tear a little.

If you can distract yourself during the tests, do so; just think about things or people that make you feel happy.

Too, you may have a neurologist (is that who is doing your tests?) or a technician who will help take your mind off it by engaging in small-talk. I've a chatty neurologist and it was extremely helpful when she just kept talking about things other than what was going on.

Here's a link to some sites that explain what the testing entails:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q...=Google+Search

katie had a EMG done she is only 8 though. the test did seem to hurt quie abit. they use this fork liket hing that shoots electricity intothe muscle to test nerve respone at different levels some dr also do it where u use a needle into the mscle directally to look at function. katie had both types one on her legs and fet. she wass ore for a few days but did well over all. gl

My recollections of the several tests I had were that it was more like sharp pinches, not as bad as sitting in a dentist chair. I have had 4 tests and I surely would not be apprehensive about another one.

Jyes

i had those on my left leg. It wasn't painful except on place where it felt like a charliehorse for a few seconds.

I agree, try to be as relaxed as possible.

I have had them done by two different neurologists and one hurt more than the other, so I have to think some of this is in the technique. I also would not go through it again. I had two of them done rather close in time and the outcome or diagnosis was totally different. When I asked my surgeon how that could be and is it possible the test is a bit subjective he agreed with me. One of my surgeons told me he rarely ever sends a patient for one and does not reley on the results for surgery.

For example: I had the lower extremities done in Janaury...The fellow that did it said I had radiculopathy...and gave the nerve root...Then had it repeated...the second neurologist said that I had neuropathy. Same thing with the upper extremities...He said I showed no signs of carpel tunnel, etc...She did one nerve while retesting the lumbar and said I showed signs of impingement and Carpel tunnel in the right hand.. She said I should ask for a script and allow her to retest the upper extremities...I did ...She did not find the original impingement...which upset me more than anything...but then went on to say that I had carpel tunnel in the opposite hand, left hand...which I do, but what about what she found in the right hand...where did that go? ...The woman neurologist had me in pain and tears from the tests...The first neurologist had me jerking, but no tears....but I think his findings were more on the money too...

It is not a life altering test....It is an unpleasant test...You will survive it....The upper extremities is much more unpleasant than the lower..Good Luck!:)

Yup, I've had EMG/NCS... several times. Every one was different... some were quite painful, and some were almost a mere tickle...

They're a lot less painful than a discogram, but they're still nothing I look forward to experience.


Much love and

Thanks everyone for the replies:) I will keep you updated

Bev x

Good to see you posting :). Please do keep us updated. I don't know a lot about the readings/reports, yet I did save so much info. that relates to the readings directly related to EMG/NCV findings. If you need info. following your testings, just give a shout out and I will look for and share what I found.

My most perplexing was related to my peroneal nerves. Basically, those things just don't strike an "impulse." Two neurologists couldn't explain so I won't pretend I understand peroneal nerves. I just know mine bite. :o

There are people, though, whom will do our best to help you out and offer a kind ear and shoulder, Bev.

Hi

and thanks everyone:)
I am getting so worried about my symptoms

{ have developed numbness on one side of my genital area, one butt cheek and the back of my thigh during the last 2/3 days, it feels very strange Some of you may remember that I had problems back in Jan and have since needed to self cath 5 times daily I have had some loss of sensation before but this is very more pronounced and not on my usuall bad side I also have what feels like someone using a blow torch on the back of my thigh and my back pain and rectal spasms are severe just now as well as pain in my ''you no what''}

I now have the numbness on my tummy and the blow torch on the back of my thigh is dreadful.

Bobbie, where in the spine do you think my symptoms are comming from? any ideas? also do you know why they are testing my legs/feet when my probs are in the pelvic area?

thanks for your kind words
bev x