Preparing for Neurological Test

Actually even now I am at peace. As I sit here my left thigh is going nuts but, thats ok. I have no weakness nor atrophy. What I do have is quite a bit of anxiety about the test. Not necessarily the results, but the test itself. I would appreciate any experience you might have with the test and how best to prepare for it. Should I avoid medications (klonopin), daily doses of magnesium/potassium, reduce exercises/ing, etc? I want to make sure that the test is accurate and that it need not be repeated. If the results of the test are then any worry left in this soul, about this issue, is on permanent hiatus.

do not take advil or aspirn - anything that can thiin your blood because you will bruise if you have it in your system. Also, do not put on any body lotion. It will hurt a tiny bit, but not bad. Good luck, enjoy your vacation

I have had three. The pain is nothing to worry about. Do not drink caffeine that morning since I read this can effect nerve conduction. Make a comment if you feel you are unusually cold as this can effect the nerve conduction part of the test too but all labs have there own way of dealing with it. I think if you are cold, it is worth asking about. Some labs give you something to warm you up. I would not take any unnecessary medication since opinions vary on which effect the test and how and so it is better not to have it even be an issue to think about.For me, the best part of the test was that I was told the results right away. I know this is not how it is always done but I hope it is the case for you. It is nice for it to be over the day of rather than having to wait.Also remember that any findings regardless of what they are cannot be conclusive of ALS without weakness or atrophy but the 99.9% odds are that there won't be any notable findings to even interpret.I look forward to hearing about your positive experience and the relief following your test.Krackersones

Good Luck!I had it done Monday... on one leg mainly due to sciatica, not twitching.No lotions, no blood thinners.... it is not a pleasant test, but I think it will really put your mind at ease. It's certainly not unbearable either. Are you getting it done on one body part? or many?Andrea

Good Luck... I am sure you will be just fine!!Andrea

Let us know how you made out. I'm sure it was fine!!!!

Well Tom, how did it go?I still havent had one yet. I am still not sure I really need it, but wiill probably get one soon. I think you and I started twitching around the same time. i read your early posts.My calves also are crazy looking with the nonstop all over twitches.And my left thingh is pretty continuous now.I am sure your EMG was normal, but please fill us in.

Hi all,Well I really have no news to report. It seems that my neuro is leaning toward a benign diagnosis. I again explained how the fasciculations began (from calf to body-wide) in about a weeks time. I also again explained that they wax and wane. Although the past several days I have had a hot spot in my left quad that is driving me nuts. I also explained, "again" that there may be a genetic component in that my father has similar twitches to my own. She then said that she would be more comfortable sending me to a neuro that specialized in giving and reviewing EMG's. Using her language, "he is an EMG'er". So now the wait begins again. Likely a month or more out. Until then I am living my life and having a good time. I'll update when the EMG is completed. One thing that frustrates me is that some doc's simply refuse to accept the fact "stress" can be a diagnosis. We spend alot of time and money trying to find out what is wrong with us when sometimes the obvious and easiest explanation is stress/anxiety. Not once was I asked if I had either. These doc's are taught textbook and rarely do we find them who are willing to explore outside of their own comfort zone/box. I am convinced that many on this board suffer extreme stress and anxiety which can lead to a host of medical issues. That why I have said before some of you ought to be thanking God for the wonderful doctors that you have who are willing to reach beyond their profession to seek answers.God Bless all and I'll keep you up to date when I have my EMG sometime within a couple of months.

I've never heard of a neuro not being able to do an EMG. My neuro did mine and gave me the results right there. I did not have to see anyone special in giving and reading EMG's.

nine9three,I am glad you are in such good spirits after your visits. Your attitude will serve you very well. After all I've gone through, I am or at least I am now of the opinion that if your twitches do not bother you or interfere with your life then you should probably do nothing. As I have said so many times, the main (probably not only) reason I get seeking answers and did not appreciate the "stress" dx was I was in real pain/discomfort. Whatever is causing my muscles to twitch causes tension and a weird sensation all over my body, especially behind the knees, ribcage, and armpits. This made me suddenly within days not able to focus or sit on a couch and relax or sleep. Needless to say, I needed something done.I also had a neuro refer me to another neuro for an EMG. The neuro only did EMGs all day long. EMGs are not like blood tests for HIV where there is a black and white answer. Maybe some neuros will disagree but all the ones I've seen including a spinal ortho have all told me that EMG readings and interpretations vary from neuro to neuro and that is one reason why they rarely reveal a definitive dx and each new neuro wants to do their own even if the last one was done days before. I had this experience twice. It is them reason I've had three EMGs.I got a report from the ortho I saw and he wrote that a genetic neuro issue is one of my differential dx. I researched this and found people with the genetic proof of a genetic neuro defect and some of them did complain of twitching. The good news about the genetic neuro stuff is it can often be so mild that you do not know you have it until someone in your family gets a bad case (usually as a child) and others get tested.

I am sorry to hear about your wasted day. That would really *beep* me off...I'm sure you still get to pay for the office visit that told you nothing and probably induced more anxiety.