EMG Appointment Anxiety: Questions & Worries

[Withurts]

My EMG is this Tuesday. I've never had one before, and I'm just nervous and curious about what to expect. What exactly do they do? How soon do you get the results?One thing I'm worried about is that I had carpal tunnel/cubital tunnel issues for MONTHS before any of my current symptoms started, so I'm pretty sure I'll show up as abnormal and they won't be able to rule out the really bad stuff.Also, I'm currently only scheduled to get an EMG in my right arm/hand. Is that enough to rule out the bad stuff? If I had it, would it show up anywhere on the body? I'm thinking of asking for a full-body EMG, just because I don't want to keep worrying for months/years on end.

 

[BandersnatchF]

An EMG and NCV can easily distinguish carpal tunnel / cubital tunnel from ALS. ALS affects only the motor nerves, while mechanical irritation (as in carpal / cubital tunnel) affects both motor and sensory nerves. In fact, an abnormal NCV test is common in carpal tunnel cases, and points away from ALS as a cause. My guess is that you might have some minor nerve damage due to carpal tunnel (though likely not), and will more likely have slowed nerve conduction across the wrist due to the carpal tunnel.

 

[Twitchy]

First of all good luck on your tests I will be thinking of you. Secondly both tests can be a little painful but will pick up such things as carpel tunnel and BFS. What helped me was my neuro did mine, was very kind throught the whole thing and didn't hurry through it. Hope this helps.Jen