EMG: Right Side Only?

[octavia031]

question about EMG. The neuro only did my complete right side (right leg, right arm, right hand) Is this enough to say it's a clean EMG or should he have done the left side as well. I once read if MND is suspected and one side is clean they should do to other side?did the neuro did your both sides? Or just one side ?Hope to get some answers!Thanks

 

[TwitchyMD]

As you stated, if MND is suspected and there is no finding on one side, the other should be tested. But it applies mainly if there is a general weakness and no specific area to test.Anyway, once you have developed fasciculations in certain area and the EMG has been performed here, its nearly sure these have nothing to do with ALS. Having ALS caused fasciculations and clean EMG is very unlikely and has been observed more with bulbar form of the disease, but even here very rarely.

 

[starkRav3r]

I've only had my right side and tongue done. When I asked neuro about the other side, she told that if I had als, it would be present everywhere. In fact my emg was quite dirty, but without any signs of mnd.

 

[Krackersones]

One side done only every time...same side. The side that is more effected is the one they do. And tongue, chin, cheek and under eye. But still all the right side of face.

 

[octavia031]

I had only my left side done too and my back along the spine. My left side is a tiny bit worse than the right so to me if the left is ok the other side would be too.

 

[simonw00]

Sorry I don't have the source, but I read an ALS specialist talking about the EMG process for ALS - saying it only takes about 8- 10 needle sticks to see that something is wrong, at that point the neuro would stop, unless they were picking up sharp waves and fibs, at that point they may continue to gauge the extent of the damage. My unexpert opinion is that your EMG was enough. My EMG was 10 needles: 4 in leg / foot, 5 in arm / hand, 1 in back, on one side only.

 

[starkRav3r]

Hi MingIn what was your EMG 'dirty'? I ask because I was found to have denervation and reinnervation of my L quads muscle but that was over a year ago and I am still fine (apart from twitching and muscle pains etc...)CheersSimon

 

[starkRav3r]

OH! And they did NOT do the lip, cheek, chin...anything facial the first two times in the first year....they only did it this past time in May (one year anniv) because I have had horrible lip/tongue twitching since Oct of 09 and it was concerning me.