How painful is a NCS/EMG study

@vialleygirl1955 it rook less than 30 minutes to do my legs.

@valleygirl1955 these days it’s uncomfortable,but not
painful

@tomcatrv4
Hi, I’ve had an EMG 6 times. I have nerve damage in my left leg from 2 strokes. I never really thought the test was painful until the last time. A resident doctor decided he wanted to do the EMG to both of my legs for a comparison. I was actually crying during the right leg procedure. I now refer to it as the Frankenstein test. Do not allow a rookie to do it, and if you’re having legit numbness, weakness… it should not cause you much pain. Don’t be afraid 🥰.

I just had same procedure. I have peripheral neuropathy. The procedure was only really painful one time and it lasted 15 seconds. I felt little electric shocks (not strong) on my leg as he tested my nerves. I had gone into the procedure with a lot of fear (I’m already in so much pain - how can I survive more pain??) but I was pleasantly surprised. Minimal pain for a short period of time.

@ericamonique Thank you

Hi @valleygirl1955
The EMT test has improved 100 fold as you do not need to tense your muscles as hard and long. How much it hurts someone can be directly related to how well their nerves work, as well as their tolerance of pain. I had it down 30 years ago and it was horrible, 2 years ago. I have had blood labs that caused more pain. If you have a good attitude going in, it makes a difference, remind yourself that in the end, this test is to help you! I hope all goes smoothly.

JFN

@jfn Thank you. I am trying to keep a good attitude about it; just wish they could have scheduled it a bit sooner as the more time I have to think about it the more apprehensive I am. Maybe the holidays will give me something else to think of. I'm certainly glad to hear that they have made advancements in admisitrating these types of tests. I think also that the person who did my first (and only) test didn't have a clue what he was doing. Hopefully this technician will be much better. Again, thank you so much.

@valleygirl1955

The goal is to keep your mind busy, while they do the test, do not watch. Find a task to do in your mind to take up the space. It could be as simple as organizing drawers or cooking a dinner. You will be asked to do actions so no headphones. I survived a particularly loud MRI by pretending I was at a dock and all the clanging was the boats, as I had to get over the picture in my mind that I was in Oscar's trash can and big bird accidentally knocked me down a hill.

JFN

I just had an EMG today. Very nice doctor. Make sure you tell him where its sensitive. These people deal with alot of different patients, so know what to do. My foot started cramping up, but the test only took 30 seconds, so only had to take the cramping for a short time. They delicately push needles in and give you little shots of electricity. A little tingly. I have spinal stenosis. He gave me the results right after. I have poor nerves in my thighs but good in my lower feet. Nerves being pinched in my lower vertabrae causing pain in my legs. It looks like I am a good candidate for the Minuteman procedure. A plastic bolt they put in to stop the nerve from being pinched. Cartilage has worn away in my spine. The doctor that did it, called him self a nerve radiologist.
Hope this helps.
Took about 20 minutes.

@valleygirl1955
I dont know if you are allowed anxiety meds before hand, if not trying meditating, I find it helps me greatly during stressful tests. Good luck!