EMG - Neuropathy Message Board

Angel0627 · 06-06-2003, 03:02 PM

Hi, I am new to the board so bear with me. Well I will kinda make this short. I injured my hand at work 5 months ago..and I have seen 3 doctors (Othopedic, Hand Specialist, and Pain Management Dr.) and know one can give me a diagnois..and I am getting frustated. I am in pain from my wrist into my hand ..like as if my "funny bone" was being hit everytime I move my hand fast. The Othopedic dr. thought it was tenditnis and sent me to therapy..and that didnt work..and the hand specialist dr. says he want me to deal with the pain and sent me to the Pain Clinic. That is where I am currently.I still dont have a diagnois..the pain dr..did a block test and numb my whole arm from under my armpit..it got numb but as so as it wore off (15 minutes after I left the hospital) the pain was back. He also put me on Ultrcet for pain and that did nothing also. So now he wants me to go for a EMG and Nerve Conduction Test and gave me Neurontin 300mg a day. I just started this medicine so I am going to give it a try..hope it works. I guess my question is does a EMG or Nevre Conduction Test tell if you have nerve damage? Or are they just pulling at straws. I wish someone can tell me what I have. I was the one who push to see if it was nerve damage..Cause the MRI showed nothing and the X-ray showed nothing...and on top of things its a workmen comp. case and everything has to be approved and it takes days and weeks to get anything approved. I hope this test tell something. If anyone can help or has the same pain..I would love to hear from you.

NancyH · 06-14-2003, 09:01 PM

The EMG and NCV tests give alot of information in regards to what is going on with the nerves! Majority of carpal tunnel cases are diagnosed using these 2 tests.

Angel0627 · 06-15-2003, 06:34 AM

Thanks for answering my question. The doctor says it is not carpal tunnel..from other test that I have had. I think he is looking for nerve damage. I will know in two weeks after the test. Wish me luck, and thanks again for responding. Maybe this test will be the one.

lilah · 06-16-2003, 10:55 AM

The nerve conductivity test is definately the one which will tell you if there has been some nerve damage. I don't know if it also will show irritation or inflamation but these would be questions for you to ask your doctor. I do hope it turns out to just be some sort of inflamation that you can cure with rest rather than something more permanent. Good luck with the tests. I hope you get some answers you can be comfortable living with.

Angel0627 · 06-16-2003, 12:52 PM

Thanks Lilah, I just recieved a copy of the hand specialist diagnosis and he says it CRPS, Left Wrist/Hand. I hope it is not that..I read alot on it and it is pretty scary. Hopefully with the EMG results it will not be that. Wish me luck..I go on June 30th. Thanks for responding..Its nice to talk to someone while you wait.