EMG

[smittygirl]

Can anyone tell me what to expect with regard to the EMG test?   Thanks.


Sue

[kwarendorf]

Hi ARR - Welcome to the group.

I'm sorry to hear you've had a bad experience with EMG's. THis thread is pretty old. It was last updated over 6 years ago. I'm not sure if any of the original posters are still visiting,

You could "Post A Question" and introduce yourself. We're a pretty friendly bunch :-)

Kyle

[averyrayray]

EMG/NCV can cause serious problems. I have seen hospital websites describe it as "no risk" but you can find stories like mine where the test caused life-altering problems.

I had the test on my right side to examine mild bilateral problems, and since the following day, I have had chronic pain, only on the side that was tested, so debilitating that I have had to move in with my mother, who helps take care of me now. It has been over three months.

I had this done at a prominent hospital. I called the dr who ordered it and he simply said "That couldn't be caused by the EMG." But it is obvious to me that it was.

I now know there is a biopsy, taken from the skin, that can be used to look for small fiber neuropathy, which will not show up on an EMG anyway.

I think this is a serious case of confirmation bias that leads doctors to dismiss stories of EMG side effects. The safety studies, which I've heard are done mostly on healthy people, are good, so they discount stories from patients for whom it has gone badly.

My physical therapist is trying to help me recover. She hopes, for example, that the sciatica is because of a tight nerve and inflammation of the piriformis, which -might- be resolvable, though many people struggle their whole lives with it. And she hopes the tendons in my hand are tight but not significantly damaged. (Tendon damage can occur when tendons become tight as nerves contract, but the damage is not visible on MRI unless it is severe.)  

In one report I found, a year and a half after the test, the person still can't get back to work and is in such terrible pain she is contemplating suicide.

[Tess2222]

Hi!
Could you please tell me how you are now?
I’ve been damaged by thé electrical shocks as well. I’m in a lot of pain. Please let me know how you are now

[Tess2222]

Hi!
Could you please tell me how you are now?
I’ve been damaged by thé electrical shocks as well. I’m in a lot of pain. Please let me know how you are now

[supermum_ms]

Tessa, im sorry you are dealing with a lot of pain and are reaching out for information and support, unfortunately the people you're contacting are from years ago and they are very unlikely to respond after all this time of inactivity sorry.....JJ

[smittygirl]

Thanks to both of you, especially enjoyed the "unnerving" part!  Hope u are both feeling well today.  I'll keep you "posted" ha ha


Sue

[kitten o]

I THAT DONE MANY YRS AGO
IT WAS A LITTLE UNCOMFORTABLE,
BUT IT WAS NOT THAT BAD.
HOPE YOU ARE WELL.
KITT

[speechgeek]

The emg is not that  bad it can be alittle "unnerving" LOL when you read about it. It is not the worst test I have had. The nice thing is that you should get your results right there. MY Neuro did mine and I got all my results as soon as he was done. Let us know how it goes.

Rebeccah

[smittygirl]

Thanks so much Rena.  I have learned so much from this great community and would be honored to return the help.  Not going anywhere!  Will keep you posted ( no pun intended!)


Sue
Thanks for the hugs too, always need those!

[Rena705]

The following website is a good explanation of an EMG...seems like a lot of people on here are going to have one of these in the near future.  I haven't personally had one but it sounds pretty painless and I hope you get the answers you are looking for out of it.  Please remember that you may be able to offer some information about this and other subjects later that could be invaluable to others here that may need the help...it would be nice if you would stay around and be part of the group...it would be nice to get to know you!

www.emedicinehealth.com/electromyography

Lots of Hugs,

Rena