Diagnosed with BFS After Tests

[ouldzJaredskywatcher]

Went to neurologist last week after three months of random twitching/tingling following a viral infection. Neurologist peformed reflex tests, strength tests, exam, interview, etc. After this he said "Steve, you fall into the bucket of people who have BFS". I asked about doing an EMG and he said "an EMG is a $1200 test. You have no weakness, no atrophy, reflexes are good, no pain, no numbness and you present with no indications or symptoms of a disease. An EMG is unnecessary". He did say he would do a complete blood test in order "in case there is something else going on that might cause the fasciculations." As he is Chief of Neurology of a large hospital, I felt comfortable with his diagnosis.After I left though, I got to thinking about this and had the following questions:1) many people on this board seem to have EMGs done when they present to the neurologist with symptoms similar to mine. If in a clinical exam, the patient has no symptoms or physical signs of disease (ie weakness, atrophy, reflex changes, etc) why are EMGS ordered? Is it just to confirm the Dr. diagnosis of no other issue? Just need to know if I need to push for one.2) I've searched this board and see references to some blood test results but also see differing opinions on their value. What would a blood test show that might indicate fasiculations?Thanks,Steve

 

[christinasgirl123]

Hi Steve, your doc is exactly right. Many people on here were insisting on an EMG, while their doctors would never have ordered one.

 

[BobJazzy]

Steve,You DO NOT need an EMG. Given your situation, if a neuro ordered an EMG, it would be for the patient's own reassurance. I just went to the Mayo clinic last week with the same situation you were in. Fasciculations all over, easily visible and easily felt when he places his hand on my calf. I passed my clinical and he said an EMG was not necessary, however, I already had one scheduled. As expected, it was normal. Without any signs of something going on, you just don't need one. Fasciculations are VERY common, even widespread ones. The blood test can check your Vitamin D levels, magnesium, are you fighting a virus, etc. Those can cause fasciculations. But don't be surprised if everything comes back normal. What you have described is BFS. -Matt

 

[FantasticFurball]

You dont need an EMG. If you passed a clinical theres no way you can have ALS or anything else sinister. A clinical done by a skilled neuro pick up the bad stuff. I never had an EMG either. Actually my own doctor never wanted me to go to a neuro as he knew all about BFS and has it himself, but I insisted. The neuro stated that an EMG "was a complete overkill". I trusted him on that one. Oh - its about five years or so the whole thing started and Im function just about perfect if it wasnt for a terrible flu....No need to worry AT ALL. Get on with lift and get use to your new condition. It aint gonna kill you, but it can be annoying like h...

 

[BlueMan]

You found the key words when you wrote:"many people on this board seem to have EMGs done when they present to the neurologist with symptoms similar to mine. If in a clinical exam, the patient has no symptoms or physical signs of disease (ie weakness, atrophy, reflex changes, etc) why are EMGS ordered?"I had an EMG because I had and still have some of those signs, specifically weakness and such (what is known as parasthesias). EMGs are often ordered to identify neuropathy, radiculopathy, nerve entrapment syndromes, etc. They are overkill in many cases, but some docs do practice "defensive medicine" and so perform them even when not necessary. Despite my weakness and such, my EMG was normal.

 

[DesertKnight]

Never had an EMG, and none of my doctors were inclined to do one unless I insisted. I'm happy with the decision I made, and the money I saved! )