Is there a way to test neuropathy w/o sticking needles in your veins?

@librarymom1
During an EMG (electromyography) the very thin needles are inserted into your muscles ( not veins) to measure electrical activity of your muscles.
I’ve had about three EMGs and for me it’s a painless procedure. Hasn’t your doctor offered you any treatment to possibly alleviate any discomfort you may be having.
Take care,
Jake

Hello @librarymom1, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with Jake @jakedduck1 and others. Like Jake mentioned EMGs might be uncomfortable but really aren't painful. I've also had several with no painful experience. I haven't had a skin punch biopsy so can't speak to that but it sounds like you already have a cause and are just looking for a treatment. I thought you might find this 2021 article on treatments helpful:

--- Treatment and Evaluation Advances in Leprosy Neuropathy: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13311-021-01153-z.

Have you discussed possible treatments with your doctor or a neurologist?

I agree with the others that the EMG and NCS tests of today are easy. I felt both, but very tolerable and I wouldn't be stressed if I had to repeat them. When I had those tests back in 1980, it was a very different story with different needles so if you hear any horror stories, be sure to ask when they had the tests. They use thin, tiny needles today. Both times I had the testing, I was lying flat on a table so if you pass out, it seems to me you'll be fine. I know some people just pass out at the sight of needles and it's involuntary. You just have to be sure you're lying down and you will be. Best to you.

My EMG, NCS found severe nerve damage from mechanical spine issues. THe dr ruled out large fiber neuropathy but did say that to diagnose small fiber neuropathy I would need a biopsy. I was originally put on gabapentin changed to pregabalin. I take Baclofen for the spasms. I hope you feel better.

Thank you for the article. I plan to share it with my dermatologist and see what he says. I can go back to the neurologist and try again.

I wish I could say that the EMG I had was painless. I have a very high tolerance for pain and, yet, the EMG I had at Mayo a couple of years ago, was probably the most painful test I have ever experienced. I am scheduled for another one and am not looking forward to it.

Was your EMG extremely painful? Is there an option to choose sedation?

It was not painful to me, except when he worked on the neck. Then that was the end of that exam. I was not offered sedation. I hope you feel better.

I've had the unfortunate need (over the past 20 years) of undergoing 3 nerve and muscle conduction studies, under three different neurologists, 2 of which were qualified/certified to do the procedures. EACH was painful for me, particularly since fibromyalgia is an intrinsic aspect of my medical history. The first time, I put up with as much as I could and finally told the male doctor to just PLEASE STOP. On a Pain Scale, my pain ranged from a 7 to 9 out of 10. The second neurologist ( I later learned) was NOT certified and yet insisted she could do the test "with very little discomfort, NO pain.." I don't recall what she gave me but it definitely made the testing very tolerable. Then the last one was in '21, with a board certified neurologist whom I verified was indeed qualified, trained/licensed to do the procedures. The Pain ranged from a 6 to a high of 9 (out of 10). So I don't understand how anyone could label these procedures as not painful at all. I would say the person has an extremely high pain threshold and definitely has no issues like fibromyalgia. The testing in 2021 was for determining why I was having nerve pain and numbness in the ankle/foot/lower leg areas traumatized in a harsh fall onto concrete slab floor in a food warehouse facility. My foot "caught" under a misplaced large obstacle and got seriously wrenched in the fall. THAT 2021 study was worthwhile having endured because it did show evidence of "damaged" areas, thus supporting my claims of the described pain and the consequential affects on my ability to stand/walk for longer than about 30 minutes (had to then sit, elevate legs, place alternating warm/cold on the affected areas). I could only take Alleve since I have serious adverse reactions to ALL pain medications, especially the more intense ones like codeine, morphine, tramadol, gabapenten.
It's been 2 years since the accident date, and I am STILL with those issues in the affected leg/foot. My neurologist diagnosed regional pain syndrome and referred me to pain management doctor who insisted on something else instead, to which I said no and returned to my neurologist, who supported my decision. I am now waiting to see another PM doctor (recommended by my neurologist), to see if he will administer the parasympathetic block. Life has been tough these past two years, since the fall affected my entire left side, but the areas still with pain issues are the entire leg (torn meniscus, nerve damage along sides of knee and down both sides of leg). The left arm/elbow/hand/shoulder have thankfully healed significantly. Needless to say, my life as I knew it changed drastically that fateful June morning in 2021...

I so concur that the testing is painful! I wrote a long reply earlier in this conversation feed regarding my experiences with 3 of the nerve and muscle studies. At this point in my life (I'm 74) I would not agree to having another done, exception being that there is a huge underlying reason for doing so. I gave birth with no medications three times, so I would say that in my 20's my pain threshold was pretty significant. NOT NOW, especially with fibromyalgia (over 30 years) and diagnosed central nervous system issues.

May I suggest that you inquire if perhaps anything can be given to "take the edge off" the pain, without it interfering with accuracy of readings? I know that the last test I had in 2021, there was no offer of anything to help me out. When it was over, I was spent on so many levels...