EMG nerve test - Neuromuscular Diseases Message Board

Rick7799 · 06-16-2005, 03:20 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.

michigani · 06-17-2005, 08:55 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

whackedback · 06-17-2005, 01:32 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

Rick7799 · 06-22-2005, 03:40 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, 05:50 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.