EMG procedure

Posted by buddy321 @buddy321, 2 days ago

As a result of having a EMG procedure (electric shock/impluses) done, I ended up having to go to the Emergency Room/Care the next day. I was diagnosed with several severe 2nd degree electrical burns as a result of the EMG procedure conducted the day before. Voltage that was used on my left foot during the EMG procedure was to high. Doctor at Emergency Room/Care took pictures of my foot, wrapped it and prescribed antibiotics. I am having a lot of difficulty geting around and can't put any socks & shoes on my left foot at this time. I also have photos of the progression of the injury.

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I am not a big fan of litigation, but it seems that the doc who did your emg should be responsible for any out-of-pocket expenses related to the procedure. If he/she is unwilling, well, you know what I mean.

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If you go to a medical facility that has trainees, meaning resident doctors or Fellows you could end up with someone who is just learning to do these procedures. I had an EMG several years ago and I am sure it was her first time. It was so incredibly painful that I am certain I dissociated. I have never done that nor had that happen to me before(dissociating). If you are at an education facility you can ask to have the consultant only perform the procedure.
I am sorry to hear that happened to you and hope all goes well with the healing.
I have had a couple of procedures that were done by trainees. They don't necessarily tell you that the trainees is going to preform the procedure.

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Arrgh.
I would think you could sue them for negligence and failure of supervision.
It's bad enough having PN without people who are supposed to help, making it worse.

I had EMG last year, a private (ie self-funded) specialist who had been 40 years in neurology. It was painful enough when done properly, and of course it only tells you what you probably already know.

I also had two cataract ops in the last two years, very experienced consultant surgeon. I don't let amateurs mess around with me.
Fortunately I can afford to pay and in the UK it's probably less expensive.

In my opinion, once you know you have PN, there's no point letting medicos mess with you as there's nothing they can usefully do. You're as likely to get good advice from this group, you just have to try things and see what helps.
Hope your foot gets better.

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@buddy321
I am so sorry to hear about this! I have had over 5 EMGs/nerve conduction studies and never had this happen or even knew it could happen!

What type of doctor and facility did you have this EMG done in? What were you having this test done for? Did you follow-up with your doctor that requested the EMG and your primary doctor? You may need further evaluation and pain management plus rehabilitation/physical therapy.

When I have had this procedure done, I had neurologists/neuromuscular specialists do it. Some were better than others in technique and thoroughness. There were almost always inconsistencies in results between specialists which I find concerning (why some would diagnose one thing and the other wouldn’t pick anything up and why would the same doctor get different results?).

You may want to consult a personal injury lawyer to review your case.

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