NeuroTalk Support Groups - RSD and EMG (and a lot of confusion)

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- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD and CRPS) (https://www.neurotalk.org/reflex-sympathetic-dystrophy-rsd-and-crps-/)

- - RSD and EMG (and a lot of confusion) (https://www.neurotalk.org/reflex-sympathetic-dystrophy-rsd-and-crps-/66676-rsd-emg-lot-confusion.html)

RSD and EMG (and a lot of confusion)

Has anyone that has been diagnosed with RSD from a bone scan had an EMG done and the test was negative? I had 2 EMGs over the past 7 years and both came up negative, but I was diagnosed with RSD by a bone scan between the two EMGs. Is that possible? My new pain specialist thinks that I don't have RSD and that I have neuitis or carpal tunnel that is causing the pain. I had carpal tunnel in the past and never had pain like I have now with the RSD. I am very confused because when I was given the bone scan years ago, it was positive for RSD, now another doctor is saying he thinks it is not there. First he stated he thought it was something along with the RSD, now today he says it isn't RSD. What do I do now? Do I assume that the bone scan was wrong or what? I don't want RSD, but I don't want to be treated for the wrong thing either.
I now am going to be getting a clonidine cream that my pharmacist is going to mix special for me since the patches do not stay on my hand and wrist. At least he is not taking me off the one medicine that is helping my RSD calm down a bit.
I am scared and don't know what to do at this point. I hope someone might have some advice for me.

My rsd was diagnosed thru a 3 phase bone scan. My EMG was normal too. One thing I have learned is that doctors are wrong a lot of the time with this disease! It is extremely frustrating. I was crying arguing with a doc because she said I don't have RSD and I new she was sooo wrong but then I decided I don't have to convince everyone. I know I have it- Wish I didn't and they were right but thats not gonna happen...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coerley (Post 428753)

Has anyone that has been diagnosed with RSD from

a bone scan had an EMG done and the test was negative? I had 2 EMGs over the past 7 years and both came up negative, but I was diagnosed with RSD by a bone scan between the two EMGs. Is that possible? My new pain specialist thinks that I don't have RSD and that I have neuitis or carpal tunnel that is causing the pain. I had carpal tunnel in the past and never had pain like I have now with the RSD. I am very confused because when I was given the bone scan years ago, it was positive for RSD, now another doctor is saying he thinks it is not there. First he stated he thought it was something along with the RSD, now today he says it isn't RSD. What do I do now? Do I assume that the bone scan was wrong or what? I don't want RSD, but I don't want to be treated for the wrong thing either.
I now am going to be getting a clonidine cream that my pharmacist is going to mix special for me since the patches do not stay on my hand and wrist. At least he is not taking me off the one medicine that is helping my RSD calm down a bit.
I am scared and don't know what to do at this point. I hope someone might have some advice for me.

EMG's only show nerve damage. That's it. RSD will not ever show up on an EMG. If you don't have nerve damage of some sort then the test will always come back normal. RSD does and obviously did for you, show up on a bone scan. It's a 50/50 shot that depends on how quickly the bone changes from rsd happens. I had 2 scans in the 1st yr and both were "normal". The 1st showed the healing kneecap fracture that NO ONE knew I had!!! Grrrrrr lol

So.....the bone scan isn't wrong. If it showed RSD, then RSD it is! HE'S the one who's wrong in this instance and has definitely gotten some waaaaayyyyyy wrong info that rsd shows up on a EMG. *snorts with laughter*

Hugs,

Karen

I have never had an EMG, my Pain Management Doctor said there isn't much point in getting one really as it doesn't show RSD unless you have nerve damage with it as Karen said. The only tests I had when I was diagnosed with RSD were blood tests, MRI scan and X-Rays as my doctor said my RSD was "text book". Unfortunately, at the moment there is no test to diagnose or rule out RSD which makes it really difficult for Doctors to make an accurate diagnosis. Diagnosis is usually just based on the signs and symptoms and if I remember correctly, you have to have at least 5 of the listed symptoms of RSD to be diagnosed.

I'm sorry that you have been diagnosed with RSD :hug:, I hope and pray that you do not have it and that there is something else causing your pain and symptoms. Please know that you have found an excellent board and everyone is more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

All the best,
Alison.

I had both the bone scans and the emg, wont do the emg again LOL.

Anyways, the bone scan showed osteopenia which means RSD, and the emg showed nerve damage. The nerve damage proved I have RSD/CRPS II. So if your emg showed no nerve damage, then it shows you have RSD/CRPS I.

You can and probably do have RSD/CRPS I.