EMG

Posted by ih8spiders @ih8spiders, 2 days ago

Hello! I am new to the group and 76 years old. I was diagnosed with idiopathic neuropathy when I was in my late 50s. I’ve been to several neurologists, who were not particularly helpful. I’ve had several Nerve Conduction texts which came back normal. At my last appointment the doctor told me there was another test he could do but he didn’t want to put me through it as it was “uncomfortable “ which I know is Dr speak for painful. Since my neuropathy is getting worse ( moved up into my lower legs from my feet), I am seeing another neurologist. I know he will do an EMG. What I’d like to know from this group is: exactly HOW painful is this test? What should I expect? Honestly- I’m scared. Thank you.

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mjpm2406 | @mjpm2406 | 2 days ago

I have Chronic Sensorimotor Axonal PN, CMT2, and CMT4B. My symptoms started when I was about 60. Some numbness in my feet, hands and calfs. Currently, (age 79) I have almost no sensation below my hips and elbows. Walking is difficult and my balance is awful. My current EMG test results indicate “no response” so I don't feel the electrical stimulation. Years ago I did and the electrical blasts were painful and I was uncomfortable but the test is over in about 10 minutes. CMT is hereditary so my 4 children and I had genetic testing for these PNs. All 4 of my children inherited the gene mutations for CMT2. My youngest daughter also inherited the mutation for CMT4B. Bummer. That makes 8 generations in our family that we know of. The gene mutations come down on the X chromosome so thanks mom, grandma and all the great grandmas on my mothers side. Seriously though, CMT is simply annoying. The Sensory Motor Axonal PN disorder is the real problem. My kids did not inherit the gene mutations for that sucker. Thank God for that.

heisenberg34 | @heisenberg34 | 2 days ago

@ih8spiders Are you asking how painful is an EMG? Mine was not too bad. I would rate it at about a e. Or, is there another tast you are thinking of?

debbieod | @debbieod | 2 days ago

About a 2 or 3. One or two sharper jabs. I still ave quite a bit of feeling. I do pain well. It doesn’t take long. I think your doc is exaggerating. IMHO

murphy2370 | @murphy2370 | 2 days ago

I've had a couple of EMG's on my wrists. They were not that painful, like getting a blood draw. However, the legs may be different, not sure. Good luck..