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EMG No Carpal tunnel--HELP--what does this mean???
Hi all,
I had my EMG/nerve conduction test and doctor said normal for no carpal tunnel and see me in 2 months?
I am a little distraught. I thought for sure it would show something. The values in my right arm (bad side) were lower than the left, which I paid attention to.
I am at a loss for words right now. What is it going to take--for me to lose total function in my right arm?
Words of wisdom appreciated...
Terri
I had my EMG/nerve conduction test and doctor said normal for no carpal tunnel and see me in 2 months?
I am a little distraught. I thought for sure it would show something. The values in my right arm (bad side) were lower than the left, which I paid attention to.
I am at a loss for words right now. What is it going to take--for me to lose total function in my right arm?
Words of wisdom appreciated...
Terri
I had a horrible EMG experince. The neuro was doing the part involving the needles. He abruptly stood up, said "there's no evidence of nerve damage", handed me a tissue and told me to wipe off the blood on my arm and opened the door to walk out.
I struggled to sit up without exposing my chest to a family that was walking by my room and said "what does that mean?" and he said "this isn't a consultation."
I was so distraught. I was sure it would be carpal tunnel.
My good news is that I eventually was sent to the right doctor who decided I needed an MRI. I eventually got my diagnosis about 6 months after my hand numbness started.
It's a long road with many bumps on the way but I hope you don't give up and instead keep seeking the answers you need.
I struggled to sit up without exposing my chest to a family that was walking by my room and said "what does that mean?" and he said "this isn't a consultation."
I was so distraught. I was sure it would be carpal tunnel.
My good news is that I eventually was sent to the right doctor who decided I needed an MRI. I eventually got my diagnosis about 6 months after my hand numbness started.
It's a long road with many bumps on the way but I hope you don't give up and instead keep seeking the answers you need.
There is a less-widely used test called a punch skin biopsy, used to detect small fiber neuropathy which doesn't show up on normal EMG studies.
In Small fiber neuropathy, strength remains but you can develop so much pain and/or paresthesias (tingling/burning) that it is too uncomfortable to function.
I'm not sure what other tests you've had or what your doctors are considering for your diagnosis, but small fiber neuropathy is only beginning to gain recognition and is not considered in the standard testing of many neuros, so I thought I'd bring it up in case you want to pursue the matter.
I don't have MS. I do have chronic Lyme disease, and came to know about small fiber neuropathy because it seems that more and more people with my condition develop it. However, you do not need to have LD to get small fiber neuropathy. I have not had the punch biopsy, but I have a lot of (heat sensitive) paresthesias and am considering having it done.
Good luck & take care.
In Small fiber neuropathy, strength remains but you can develop so much pain and/or paresthesias (tingling/burning) that it is too uncomfortable to function.
I'm not sure what other tests you've had or what your doctors are considering for your diagnosis, but small fiber neuropathy is only beginning to gain recognition and is not considered in the standard testing of many neuros, so I thought I'd bring it up in case you want to pursue the matter.
I don't have MS. I do have chronic Lyme disease, and came to know about small fiber neuropathy because it seems that more and more people with my condition develop it. However, you do not need to have LD to get small fiber neuropathy. I have not had the punch biopsy, but I have a lot of (heat sensitive) paresthesias and am considering having it done.
Good luck & take care.
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For twenty years (off and on) I did the best I could each day. My big winter plans fell apart each spring when warm sunshine made everything but me blossom. I cut back or gave up one activity after another and wondered why my body was "aging" so much faster than other 30-somethings, 40-somethings, and then 50-somethings.
I too figured I'd have to wait for diagnosis until some day when my brain woke up but my body wouldn't move. I'd call an ambulance to take me somewhere for a diagnosis that came too late for any meaningful treatment.
I didn't have to wait quite that long. Last August's heat wave supported symptoms that caught the attention of a very caring, curious, and investigative young PCP. I'm still hoping treatment now will help my future.
Sorry for the long story about me. Not sure what sparked it except to encourage you to keep advocating for yourself until someone out there in the medical community hears you. I'm glad you realized the potential meaning of a negative EMG in your case. Too bad the doctor seems so clueless.
Oh yeah, now I remember. THE TEST WE DID IS NORMAL SO YOU'RE GOOD FOR TWO MORE MONTHS? This is exactly the type of response that tells me the doc is lazy or deaf or plain old uncaring. A test within normal limits in a patient with continued symptoms should mean, "My original idea doesn't seem correct. I need to see you again soon to discuss, review and develop a new plan."
Take it easy in this Ohio heat. I sent you a note.
Mary