Rick7799
06-16-2005, 06:20 PM
Is it risk free? It seems to me that sticking muscles with needles and giving electric shocks could damage muscles or nerves. My doctor says it's safe. I have had muscle twitching for years as the only symptom. The doctor wants me to get this test. I don't want to get it done if there is only the slightest risk. The twitches just aren't that bad. Anybody else that has had this test done, did you feel there was any risk to it.
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michigani
06-17-2005, 11:55 AM
Rick,
I've had it done twice. There's absolutely no risk. The test is not pleasant but I would do it again if I thought it could help with a diagnosis. (I have muscular dystrophy). The sensation is just what you would expect from a very tiny sterile needle, almost like an acupunture needle. The doctor gentley twists it in then gentley wiggles it around for 10-15 seconds. Meanwhile the muscle response is recorded on a strip of graph paper. The discomfort lasts only during the EMG test. There's absolutely no injury or lingering pain worse than a tiny shot.
Good Luck,
Mark
I've had it done twice. There's absolutely no risk. The test is not pleasant but I would do it again if I thought it could help with a diagnosis. (I have muscular dystrophy). The sensation is just what you would expect from a very tiny sterile needle, almost like an acupunture needle. The doctor gentley twists it in then gentley wiggles it around for 10-15 seconds. Meanwhile the muscle response is recorded on a strip of graph paper. The discomfort lasts only during the EMG test. There's absolutely no injury or lingering pain worse than a tiny shot.
Good Luck,
Mark
whackedback
06-17-2005, 04:32 PM
Rick -
I've had this done to me 4 times while determining which of my nerves were impinged by herniated discs. Depending on who does your EMG, the amount of pain that you feel will vary.
The method of the test is to create an electrical loop, part of it being the machine and part of it being inbetween 2 points on your body. A small current is induced to see how your nerve processes the impulse.
Thanks to my EMGs, I was properly diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel, and the right nerves were identified for a nerve block to reduce the pain in my back.
If you want to feel something 10 times worse than an EMG current, think about shaking hands with someone who has a joybuzzer hidden in their palm.
wb
I've had this done to me 4 times while determining which of my nerves were impinged by herniated discs. Depending on who does your EMG, the amount of pain that you feel will vary.
The method of the test is to create an electrical loop, part of it being the machine and part of it being inbetween 2 points on your body. A small current is induced to see how your nerve processes the impulse.
Thanks to my EMGs, I was properly diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel, and the right nerves were identified for a nerve block to reduce the pain in my back.
If you want to feel something 10 times worse than an EMG current, think about shaking hands with someone who has a joybuzzer hidden in their palm.
wb
Rick7799
06-22-2005, 06:40 PM
Thanks for the responses. I went in today and it's Benign Fasciculation Syndrome. I felt better after reading both of your posts. It's not a bad test. It's better than getting a shot in the mouth. Thanks again.
dje27
06-22-2005, 08:50 PM
Hello, I have had benign fasciculations since December. Very annoying. Does it go away on its own? I also had an EMG done too. They told me its too early to diagnose with any muscle disease. Had 3 out of 4 limbs with involuntary muscle movement. Good luck.
Rick7799
06-23-2005, 06:07 PM
My doctor told me there was no way I had any kind of neurological disease. He said my muscles and nerves are fine and I have some pretty good fasciculations. I have had them for 5 or 6 years and they get worse when I get stressed out.
From what I have read, they can go away or last the rest of your life. I have had them for so long that they don't bother me, although I was beginning to wonder if I had something more sinister. Now that he told me that I will just ignore them. I don't know why your doctor wasn't more sure of your fasciculations. According to my doctor if the EMG shows no damage to the nerves and muscles, then there is nothing to worry about.
Is this the only symptom you have?
From what I have read, they can go away or last the rest of your life. I have had them for so long that they don't bother me, although I was beginning to wonder if I had something more sinister. Now that he told me that I will just ignore them. I don't know why your doctor wasn't more sure of your fasciculations. According to my doctor if the EMG shows no damage to the nerves and muscles, then there is nothing to worry about.
Is this the only symptom you have?
eveningdove
06-24-2005, 11:08 AM
Hello all, I have been suffering with benign fasciculations for almost ten years. I can remember experienceing muscular twitching way back when I was a kid, but, not consistantly like this. I have a difficult time ignoring them. They are very strong and occur all over my body. Especially in my legs. My left calf muscle goes constantly! I'm glad to know that there are people out there going through this too. I was beginning to feel like a freak! My significant other cannot imagine what it's like to not be able to go to sleep because your legs are not ready to rest..It used to make me feel so alone. What I wouldn't give to be able to just sit down or lay down and actually feel still..
nuts
07-24-2005, 07:18 PM
I feel for you all. I'm also a fellow sufferer and clueless as to what to do about it.
eveningdove, I feel the same way. Being still is something we're not going experience soon if ever, well at least until we're dead.
eveningdove, I feel the same way. Being still is something we're not going experience soon if ever, well at least until we're dead.